Elon Musk and the European authorities are engaged in a conflict over the platform X, previously known as Twitter, amid accusations of disseminating illegal and misleading content and initiatives to limit social media access for minors.
The ongoing conflict between billionaire Elon Musk and European authorities has intensified with new measures against his platform X (formerly Twitter), which is accused of spreading illegal, false, or manipulated content. European initiatives are moving forward to prohibit social media usage among minors, reflecting a growing concern for mental health in the digital age.
On February 3, 2025, French authorities, in collaboration with Europol, raided the Paris headquarters of X as part of an investigation opened earlier that year. This investigation is focused on alleged manipulations of the platform's algorithm that are suspected of facilitating foreign interference by promoting specific content. This highlights the scrutiny social media platforms face in Europe as governments aim to regulate them in the interest of public and mental health.
In a striking development, the French prosecutor announced, in a statement ironically made via X, that they will discontinue using the platform in favor of others like Instagram. Additionally, Musk has been summoned to testify in a public hearing scheduled for April 20, alongside former X CEO Linda Yaccarino and other employees. This case marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about the responsibilities of social media giants in managing content that affects users' mental health and the integrity of information in public discourse.
