European Commission probes Musk's role in spreading fake news
The European Commission is considering including Elon Musk's dissemination of false information about the Norwegian Prime Minister in its investigation against platform X. EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier also mentioned other false information about politicians and events outside the European Union.
The European Commission is contemplating integrating the fake news disseminated by Elon Musk about Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre into its investigation of platform X, according to EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier, during a press briefing in Brussels.
Regnier highlighted that the distribution of illegal content and the amplification of dangerous narratives, including those concerning politicians outside the EU, could be part of the proceedings against X.
Regnier explained that similar issues have arisen with fake news spread on X, which resulted in anti-immigrant riots in the United Kingdom. He also noted the case of content circulated on the platform related to Hamas's attack on Israel, where the reach and intensity of terrorist content could affect the EU.
Musk posted fake news about the Norwegian Prime Minister
One of the materials that may be included in the investigation is the fake news posted by Musk, featuring a photo of the Norwegian Prime Minister with Bill Gates. This photo was intended to suggest that both were criticizing Musk. Norwegian Secretary of State Kristoffer Thoner refuted these claims, labeling them as fake news.
Støre commented on Musk's attempts to meddle in international politics, but he did not discuss this matter with Gates. The meeting with the American businessman focused on global health policy. Despite this, Musk's post received 12 million views and 11,000 comments.
European Commission's investigations into platform X
Last year, the European Commission initiated five investigations against platform X, including those concerning the dissemination of illegal content. Two cases are still ongoing, and in three cases, the EC provided X with a preliminary assessment of the violation of EU regulations on digital services (DSA).
For breaking EU law, Musk's platform may face a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover, and ultimately, the EC could suspend X's operations in the EU.
