Ireland’s media watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán, has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) over alleged breaches of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The inquiry aims to assess whether X has failed to adequately control the spread of illegal and harmful content on its platform.

Focus on Disinformation and Harmful Content

The probe will examine how X handles hate speech, disinformation, and violent content, following a surge in user complaints across the EU. Coimisiún na Meán said it is investigating potential systemic failures in X’s content moderation policies, particularly regarding posts linked to terrorism, misinformation, and incitement of hatred.

Officials noted that X is among the largest online platforms under the DSA and must comply with strict transparency and safety rules. The Irish regulator, which acts as the EU’s lead oversight body for X due to its European headquarters in Dublin, has demanded detailed reports on moderation efforts and algorithmic transparency.

Musk’s X Faces Growing Global Scrutiny

Since Elon Musk’s 2022 takeover, X has repeatedly faced criticism for scaling back moderation teams and reinstating previously banned accounts. These actions have raised concerns among European officials that Musk’s “free speech absolutist” stance could undermine EU safety regulations.

Earlier this year, the European Commission warned X about its growing role in spreading misinformation related to global conflicts and elections. The Irish probe could now set a precedent for tougher enforcement of the DSA across Europe, potentially leading to fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue if violations are confirmed.

X Responds to Allegations

In response, an X spokesperson said the company is “fully cooperating with regulators” and remains committed to protecting user expression while complying with European law. Musk himself has previously criticized EU regulations, calling them “censorship by bureaucracy.”

Coimisiún na Meán stated that the investigation will involve a technical audit of X’s moderation systems and may take several months to complete.

Potential Implications for Tech Regulation

Experts believe this case could mark a turning point in Europe’s digital governance, testing how effectively the DSA can rein in powerful social media companies. If found guilty of systemic non-compliance, X could face massive financial penalties or restrictions on its EU operations.

The outcome of this probe is expected to influence future oversight of other major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube — signaling that European regulators are ready to act firmly in the digital space.