The European Commission has launched an investigation into social media platform X(Twitter), requesting internal documents related to its recommendation algorithm. This move follows numerous complaints from German politicians about alleged algorithmic bias ahead of the upcoming February 23 elections. To ensure transparency, the Commission has also issued a “holding order” to preserve all relevant documents and monitor any future changes to the algorithm.
Allegations of Political Bias
Complaints filed with the European Commission claim that X’s recommendation algorithm promotes content from far-right German parties. These concerns are amplified by Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, where he stated the party would “save Germany.”
When questioned about the investigation’s timing, particularly in light of Musk’s controversial remarks, a Commission spokesperson clarified that the probe aims to monitor systems impartially. “The investigation is entirely independent of any political considerations or specific events,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Commitment to a Safe Online Environment
Henna Virkkunen, head of digital at the European Commission, affirmed the importance of compliance with EU legislation. “We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our laws, which aim to make the online environment fair, safe, and democratic for all European citizens,” she said.
The Commission has also requested access to X’s internal moderation rules and content promotion algorithms to better understand the platform’s functioning, adds NIX Solutions. This step reflects the EU’s broader efforts to uphold transparency and prevent misuse of social media platforms during critical events like elections.
We’ll keep you updated as this investigation unfolds, ensuring you stay informed about new developments.