According to Silicon Republic, Ireland’s Coimisiún na Meán launched a fresh investigation into X on November 12, 2024, specifically examining whether the platform violates Article 20 of the Digital Services Act by failing to provide adequate appeal mechanisms for content moderation decisions. The probe will determine if users can effectively challenge X’s decisions not to remove reported content, whether they’re properly informed about outcomes and appeal rights, and if the platform has an accessible internal complaint system. This isn’t X’s first DSA trouble—earlier this year, reports suggested the EU was preparing potential fines exceeding $1 billion for risk management and transparency failures, though those penalties haven’t materialized yet. Digital Services Commissioner John Evans emphasized that appeal rights are “a cornerstone of the DSA” and that platforms must let users exercise these rights. If found non-compliant, X could face penalties up to 6% of its annual global turnover.
Here we go again
So X is back in the EU’s crosshairs, and honestly, is anyone surprised? This is basically the regulatory equivalent of “we told you so.” The platform’s been playing fast and loose with content moderation since Musk took over, and now regulators are specifically targeting whether users have any real recourse when X decides to keep questionable content up.
What’s interesting here is how specific this probe is. They’re not just vaguely accusing X of bad moderation—they’re digging into the exact mechanics of how appeals work. Or don’t work. Can users actually challenge decisions? Are they even told they have that right? It’s the digital version of “you have the right to remain silent” but for social media.
The real stakes
Here’s the thing about that 6% of global revenue penalty—for a company like X, that could be absolutely massive. We’re talking potentially hundreds of millions, maybe even billions depending on how you calculate their revenue streams. And the EU has shown with other tech giants that they’re not afraid to pull the trigger on these fines.
But honestly, the money might not even be the biggest concern. The real issue for X is that every one of these investigations chips away at their credibility in one of the world’s most important markets. How many times can you get called out for not following the rules before advertisers and users start thinking twice?
This isn’t just about X
Look, X might be the headline grabber here, but Silicon Republic notes that Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Temu and Shein have all faced DSA probes too. The EU is basically using X as the test case for how seriously they’re taking platform accountability. If they come down hard on Musk’s company, every other platform will get the message loud and clear.
The timing is also pretty telling. With European elections coming up and disinformation concerns running high, regulators want to show they’re not messing around. They need to demonstrate that the DSA isn’t just paperwork—it’s got teeth.
Where this is heading
I think we’re looking at a pretty drawn-out process. These investigations don’t move quickly, and X will probably fight every step of the way. But the writing’s on the wall—the EU wants platforms to take user appeals seriously, and they’re willing to make examples out of companies that don’t comply.
The bigger question is whether X will actually change its systems or just treat any eventual fine as the cost of doing business. Given Musk’s history of defiant posturing toward regulators, my money’s on the latter. But at some point, even the richest companies can’t afford to keep paying 6% penalties.
