The European Union is contemplating broadening its investigation into potential violations of content moderation regulations by Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. This statement was made by Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s chief digital official, during an interview with Bloomberg TV.
Virkkunen noted that the European Commission is currently evaluating whether the existing inquiry’s scope is sufficiently comprehensive. The investigation into X was formally initiated in December 2023, on accusations that the platform has not adequately managed illegal content and misinformation. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding alleged breaches of transparency and misleading design practices.
The intensity of EU scrutiny towards X has amplified in recent months, particularly following Musk’s public endorsements of far-right figures, such as Alice Weidel from the Alternative for Germany party, in the lead-up to the country’s snap elections on February 23. The commission is specifically looking into whether a recent live-streamed dialogue between Musk and Weidel was unfairly promoted, potentially giving a political candidate an illegal advantage under the Digital Services Act.
Major online platforms discovered to be in violation of the DSA could face penalties amounting to six percent of their annual global revenue.
Concerns regarding foreign meddling in the electoral processes of EU nations have escalated in light of recent events, including Romania’s highest court annulling its presidential election due to assertions of Russian interference facilitated through social networks. This prompted the initiation of a DSA investigation into TikTok, which is owned by the China-based firm ByteDance Ltd.
However, the EU’s efforts to regulate foreign tech giants may encounter obstacles following the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump. The president-elect is reportedly facing pressure from leaders within Big Tech, urging the White House to counter the EU’s initiatives. Musk has had public disagreements with EU policymakers on X and has indicated a willingness to legally contest any adverse ruling arising from DSA regulations. Likewise, Meta Platforms Inc.’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has recently called on Trump to advocate for U.S. businesses against European financial penalties.
Zuckerberg described the EU’s actions as being akin to a tariff during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, stating, “I think the US government gets to decide how they’re going to deal with that.”
The concerted response from Big Tech against European regulators coincides with Trump intensifying his expansionist rhetoric, including remarks regarding the potential use of military force to claim Greenland, a territory within Denmark and part of the EU.
Virkkunen expressed optimism about future collaboration, stating, “We are looking forward to when he is taking his position as the president of the United States. We are willing to cooperate very closely with him.”
© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.
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