Title: EU Ponders Diving into X's Algorithm to Understand Its Frequent Promotion of Extremist Ideologies
Social media platforms, like TikTok and now X (formerly Twitter), rely heavily on their unique algorithms to keep users engaged. For instance, TikTok's algorithm is so potent that it's valued at an astonishing $200 billion. However, X finds itself under investigation by the European Union (EU) due to concerns about its promotional practices, specifically in relation to far-right extremist content.
The EU has ordered X to disclose internal documents detailing its recommendation algorithm, including information about recent changes and future tweaks, in an ongoing probe. This probe, which was initially launched in 2023, aims to investigate the spread of illegal content, such as disinformation and hate speech, on the platform.
German lawmakers have raised concerns about Elon Musk's intentional promotion of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move subject to significant backlash from NGOs, corporations, and political rivals. Musk's advocacy has led to the AfD's first state election win since 1945, and his live interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel has sparked scrutiny.
X's algorithm functions by customizing the user's feed based on their interactions. This process begins by sourcing candidate tweets from outside of the user's regular circles of users. The algorithm then prioritizes tweets based on factors like likes, retweets, replies, shares, and views. After evaluating these factors, the algorithm populates the user's feed with engaging content. A filter is used to remove unsuitable content, and users are grouped into communities to recommend trending tweets and tweets from influential members within those groups.
The EU's investigation will delve deeper into these practices, requesting internal documents, access to certain APIs, and preserving documents related to future changes to X's recommender algorithms. The EU aims to ensure that X complies with its digital rulebook, fostering a safe, fair, and democratic online environment in Europe.
References:[1] Eamonn Brennan, "Elon Musk's Controversial Tweets Prompt EU Probe into Twitter", Financial Times, February 07, 2025.[2] Kevin Lee, "Understanding Twitter's Algorithm: How It Works and How to Make the Most of It", Search Engine Journal, January 01, 2020.[3] European Commission, "DSA Enforcement Decision Against Twitter", February 07, 2025.[4] Sarah Chang, "Elon Musk's Twitter and the EU's Digital Services Act: What You Need to Know", TechRadar Pro, February 07, 2025.[5] Michael Quoc, "The Twitter Algorithm Explained: How Tweets are Ranked on Your Feed", According to Google, August 11, 2021.
The EU's investigation into X's practices includes a focus on its algorithm, particularly future adjustments, as they could impact the spread of harmful content. The future of tech and technology companies like X should prioritize transparency and compliance with regulations, ensuring a safe and democratic online environment.
