Regulators Target X’s Algorithm Amid German Election Concerns
The European Commission has demanded that Elon Musk’s social media platform X disclose internal documents detailing changes to its recommendation algorithm, the Financial Times reports.
Announced Friday, the expanded probe requires X to provide records of past algorithm adjustments, plans for future modifications, and information on how the platform moderates and amplifies content.
The move comes amid allegations that X’s algorithm is promoting far-right content, particularly in Germany ahead of the February 23 federal elections.
Politicians in Germany have expressed concerns about X amplifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeling Musk’s support for the far-right group “completely unacceptable.”
The AfD, which polls at 20% and has been classified as right-wing extremist by German intelligence, recently gained visibility following Musk’s endorsements and his controversial interview with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel.
EU Pushes for Transparency and Accountability
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s digital chief, emphasized that the investigation aims to uphold EU legislation designed to create a fair and democratic online environment.
“We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our legislation,” she said, adding that the request is “completely independent of any political considerations or specific events.”
The investigation follows mounting pressure on the Commission to act decisively.
Damian Boeselager, a member of the European Parliament, recently urged regulators to determine whether X’s algorithm complies with EU transparency rules. “The guy can be crazy, but it is unfair if he’s amplifying who must listen to him,” Boeselager told the Financial Times.
Musk Under Fire as German Ministries Exit X
German ministries have also taken action, with the defense and foreign ministries suspending their activities on X.
The defense ministry cited dissatisfaction with the platform’s policies and recent controversies as the reason for its decision.
Musk, who described AfD as a savior for Germany, faces escalating criticism over his platform's role in shaping political discourse.
As the European Commission intensifies its investigation, the pressure on X to ensure transparency and neutrality in content amplification continues to mount.
