Highlights
- EU scrutinizes X’s blue tick verification system for potential user deception
- Concerns over X’s transparency in advertising and data sharing
- Musk and Altman’s public feud adds tension to the tech landscape
- X faces potential fines and operational changes in the EU
The European Union has launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter, over potential violations of its online content rules.
This development coincides with Musk’s ongoing public feud with OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman.
EU’s Concerns Over X’s Verification System
The EU’s tech regulator, operating under the Digital Services Act (DSA), has accused X of potentially misleading users with its “verified” blue tick accounts.
The main issues include:
- Deceptive verification: Anyone can pay for a blue tick, potentially confusing users about account authenticity.
- Lack of transparency: X’s advertising practices and data sharing for research are under scrutiny.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated, “Back in the day, BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources of information. Now with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users and infringe the DSA. We also consider that X’s ads repository and conditions for data access by researchers are not in line with the DSA transparency requirements. X has now the right of defence — but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines and require significant changes.”
The Commission added, “There is evidence of motivated malicious actors abusing the ‘verified account’ to deceive users.”
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age also issued a statement saying, “Today we issue for the first time preliminary findings under the Digital Services Act. In our view, X does not comply with the DSA in key transparency areas, by using dark patterns and thus misleading users, by failing to provide an adequate ad repository, and by blocking access to data for researchers. The DSA has transparency at its very core, and we are determined to ensure that all platforms, including X, comply with EU legislation.”
Musk’s Response and Potential Consequences
In our view @X doesn’t comply with the DSA in key transparency areas. It misleads users, fails to provide adequate ad repository and blocks access to data for researchers. It’s the first time we issue preliminary findings under the Digital Services Act. 👇 https://t.co/WtJ65GPwQY
— Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) July 12, 2024
Musk reacted strongly to the EU’s accusations, calling the DSA “misinformation” and “censored speech.”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino defended the platform’s approach as “democratized.”
If found in breach of the DSA, X could face fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover and be forced to change its operations in the EU.
The Commission has given X the opportunity to defend itself or propose changes to comply with the regulations.
Musk vs. Altman: A Rivalry Reshaping Tech’s Landscape
The tech world’s latest soap opera features two of its most prominent figures: Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
Their falling out, once unthinkable, now plays out publicly on the very platform Musk acquired for a cool $44 billion.
At the heart of this feud lies OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company Musk co-founded but later departed.
CEO @OpenAI driving one of the most expensive cars
How did open AI become a for profit business when it was a non profit ? pic.twitter.com/5gfjKoGUQh
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) July 10, 2024
As OpenAI pivoted from its non-profit roots to a for-profit model, securing hefty investments from Microsoft, Musk’s disillusionment grew palpable.
He now portrays himself as the jilted visionary, claiming ownership of OpenAI’s very name and existence.
Musk’s latest jabs at Altman showcase his penchant for public spectacle.
When footage of Altman cruising in a $2 million Koenigsegg Regera hypercar surfaced, Musk couldn’t resist.
He chuckled along with X users who sarcastically quipped about starting non-profits, a not-so-subtle dig at OpenAI’s transformation.
CEO @OpenAI driving one of the most expensive cars
How did open AI become a for profit business when it was a non profit ? pic.twitter.com/5gfjKoGUQh
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) July 10, 2024
This spat goes beyond mere personal animosity.
Musk, ever the provocateur, positions himself as a champion of “open” AI development, despite his own ventures in the field.
Altman, meanwhile, navigates the complex reality of scaling AI research within a capitalist framework.
Their rivalry entertains but also shapes public discourse on AI ethics, corporate responsibility, and the future of innovation.
Let’s see who comes out on top.
FAQs
What is the EU investigating about X’s blue tick system?
The EU is investigating whether X’s blue tick verification system misleads users by allowing anyone to purchase verification, potentially confusing account authenticity.
Why is the EU concerned about X’s advertising and data sharing?
The EU believes X’s advertising practices and data sharing for research may not meet the transparency requirements set by the Digital Services Act (DSA).
How has Elon Musk responded to the EU’s accusations?
Elon Musk has criticized the EU’s accusations, calling the DSA “misinformation” and defending X’s approach as democratized.
What are the potential consequences for X if found in breach of the DSA?
X could face fines up to 6% of its global annual turnover and be required to make significant changes to its operations in the EU.
What is the nature of the feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman?
The feud between Musk and Altman centers around OpenAI, which Musk co-founded and later left.
Musk criticizes OpenAI’s shift from non-profit to for-profit, while Altman focuses on scaling AI research.
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