Title: X Social Media Platform Cracks Down on Hamas-Affiliated Accounts Following EU Ultimatum
In response to growing concerns about the spread of disinformation and illegal content, social media giant X has taken swift action against hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts. The move comes after European Union industry chief, Thierry Breton, issued a strong ultimatum to address the issue on their messaging platform.
Breton expressed worries that X was being used as a tool to disseminate disinformation and illegal content within the European Union. Citing the newly implemented Digital Services Act, which mandates the removal of such content to ensure public security and civic discourse, Breton called on X and other major online platforms to take immediate action.
Since the recent attack by Hamas on Israel, X has already removed hundreds of accounts associated with the group. Additionally, the platform has actively tackled tens of thousands of pieces of content that violated its policies. Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, X has reassigned resources and formed a dedicated leadership group to address the issue effectively.
The company has also responded promptly to over 80 takedown requests made by EU authorities. Remarkably, X has not received any notices from Europol regarding the presence of illegal content on its platform, suggesting its efforts are effectively curbing the dissemination of such content.
Breton’s call for action extended beyond X, as he also issued a similar warning to Meta, the parent company of Facebook. He demanded Meta to outline measures taken to counter disinformation within 24 hours following the attack on Israel. The EU industry chief’s stern stance reflects the gravity of the situation, as disinformation can fuel tensions and misinformation during times of conflict.
The thrust of the Digital Services Act is to hold online platforms accountable for facilitating the spread of illegal content, ensuring a safer digital environment that upholds civic discourse. With the threat of hefty fines under this new legislation, major social media platforms like X and Meta must act with urgency and commitment to eradicate disinformation and illegal content effectively.
While the crackdown on Hamas-affiliated accounts is a positive step forward, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures will be essential in combating disinformation and maintaining a trusted online space. X and Meta’s responses to these challenges will likely shape the future of internet discourse, ultimately determining the extent to which online platforms can protect their users from malicious content.
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