"Non-transparent and manipulative": EU criticises X-Chaos
The EU Commission is not at all happy with X. In an investigation, it found that both the blue tick and the non-transparent advertising mislead users. The lack of data access for researchers is also criticised.
Blue tick marks deceive users
Intransparent advertising
Another point of the DSA concerns advertising. Platform operators must provide a database containing information on the adverts shown. X apparently does not fulfil these requirements. It takes ages to download the data records. This is unacceptable. In addition, the data records are incomplete. This makes it difficult to search for problems with advertising and creates a lack of transparency, according to the EU.
Data access for researchers is inadequate
For the purpose of research, platforms must provide access to data via the platform itself. Access must be provided via a specially designed interface. X does not adhere to this to a sufficient extent. Firstly, X's terms and conditions prohibit the mass retrieval of data from the website - i.e. so-called "scraping". In addition, X charges "disproportionately high fees" for this.
For data access, researchers must also undergo verification. According to EU projectors, the system for this does not work properly. Moreover, if the researchers come from Europe, the verification process is not transparent and sometimes takes several months.
Disinformation continues to be investigated
Musk rages back
X now has the right of defence. However, if the EU Commission's impression does not change afterwards, X will be fined heavily - and further conditions will be imposed on the operation of the platform in Europe, according to EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. The fine could amount to up to six per cent of annual global turnover. For Twitter, that would be around 204 million US dollars.
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.
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