The recent Hamas attack on Israel, X social media platform’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, announced the removal of hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts and the labeling or removal of tens of thousands of pieces of content
The decision was prompted by a 24-hour ultimatum issued by European Union industry chief Thierry Breton to Elon Musk, owner of X, to address the spread of disinformation on the platform in the wake of the Hamas attack. This directive was aimed at ensuring compliance with new EU online content regulations.
Breton had expressed concerns that X, previously known as Twitter, was being used to broadcast illegal content and disinformation within the European Union. He indicated that his team would evaluate Yaccarino’s response and determine the subsequent course of action.
The newly implemented Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that major online platforms, including X and Meta’s Facebook, take more forceful measures to remove illegal content and combat threats to public security and civic discourse.
Yaccarino mentioned that X has restructured internal teams and reallocated resources to address the rapidly evolving situation but did not provide specific details. She stated that a leadership group was formed shortly after the attack to assess the situation.
In a letter to Breton posted on X, Yaccarino expressed a willingness for further engagement, including a meeting, to address specific questions and sought additional details for the platform to respond to.
The letter also noted that X has responded to more than 80 takedown requests received in the EU within the stipulated timeframe and has not received any notices from Europol regarding illegal content on the platform.
Breton issued a similar ultimatum to Meta on Wednesday, giving the company 24 hours to inform him about the measures taken to counter the spread of disinformation on its platforms following the attack on Israel.
