The EU Commission is under fire for dragging its feet on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA) as concerns mount over Elon Musk’s growing sway in European politics. MEPs have accused the tech giant of skirting rules meant to curb disinformation and protect democracy, with Musk’s platform, X, taking center stage.
Musk’s planned livestream with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right AfD, has raised eyebrows ahead of the country’s February elections. Critics claim the event provides undue advantage to the AfD, with Damian Boeselager, a German MEP, warning of potential election interference. He’s calling for an investigation into whether X’s algorithmic amplification of Musk’s tweets breaches the DSA’s transparency requirements.
France and Spain have joined the outcry, with officials accusing Musk of stirring division and empowering extremist voices. France’s foreign minister urged the Commission to either enforce the law with “greatest firmness” or return enforcement powers to member states.
The DSA, designed to hold tech giants accountable, mandates transparency and bans preferential treatment of content. Platforms found in violation face hefty fines or bans. However, enforcement has been sluggish, with X already flagged for violations like deceptive blue-tick sales.
Critics argue Musk’s actions undermine free speech and democracy by concentrating influence in one individual. As the EU Commission investigates, the pressure is on to act decisively, ensuring that platforms like X don’t become tools for political manipulation. For now, Musk’s moves continue to spark debate across Europe.
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