Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has reaffirmed its commitment to free expression and positioned itself as a “safe space for free speech,” according to a legally required risk assessment submitted to the European Commission and released to the public on Wednesday.
The company stated that it “strives to be the town square of the internet by promoting and protecting freedom of expression,” highlighting its new approach to content moderation since Musk’s acquisition of the platform in 2022.
The assessment, dated September 2023, noted that X’s existing controls have managed to reduce risks to a “low to medium level” in most areas. The platform touted features such as community notes and verified checkmarks as part of its security and transparency efforts. X explained that it shifted from an “absolutist” moderation strategy, which either removed or allowed content outright, to a more balanced system that emphasizes demotion over outright bans.
However, X acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly with “residual risk” of extremist content and disinformation, especially related to elections. The company warned that “tactics evolve continuously and rapidly,” citing the role of generative AI in complicating content moderation efforts.
The platform has come under significant EU scrutiny. The European Commission launched an unprecedented investigation in late 2023, suspecting that X failed to address harmful content and disinformation effectively. In July 2024, X was formally charged with breaching key aspects of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Additionally, European Parliament lawmakers have accused Musk of using the platform to promote his personal views, including vocal support for Donald Trump during the U.S. presidential election.
A consultancy audit by FTI, published concurrently with X’s report, offered a critical assessment of the platform’s moderation practices. The audit deemed the process “not rigorous enough” and pointed to potential noncompliance with EU regulations.
