EU Digital Rules Undermined: X Fails to Remove Pro-Kremlin Disinformation
A new report reveals the alarming extent to which X, formerly Twitter, is failing to comply with EU regulations designed to combat disinformation. The study, commissioned by WeMove Europe, unearthed over 100 posts containing pro-Kremlin propaganda and false narratives, much of it originating from sanctioned Russian state media outlets. Despite being reported to X, the platform has largely ignored these violations, raising serious concerns about its commitment to upholding the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
The DSA mandates online platforms to swiftly address illegal content, including disinformation and propaganda from sanctioned entities. However, X’s response has been demonstrably inadequate. Researchers meticulously documented 125 instances of clear DSA breaches, including content from the banned Russian state broadcaster RT. One particularly egregious example involved the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharing an RT documentary promoting a false narrative about a Nazi collaborator being glorified by the Ukrainian government. The post even included a link to circumvent sanctions and access the full film on Telegram. Despite these blatant violations, X removed only one post, claiming no breach of EU law.
The report further exposes significant flaws in X’s content moderation processes. While the platform often issued automated acknowledgements of complaints within minutes, suggesting reliance on automated systems, the vast majority of reports were never followed up. This raises questions about the effectiveness of X’s content moderation and its ability to discern nuanced disinformation campaigns. The fact that only 57% of reports received acknowledgement receipts further demonstrates a disregard for the DSA’s transparency requirements. This inadequate response allows harmful propaganda to proliferate unchecked, potentially influencing public opinion and undermining democratic processes.
The European Commission, tasked with enforcing the DSA, has launched a formal investigation into X’s compliance. However, this investigation has been beset by delays, reportedly due to ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. This postponement raises concerns that political and economic considerations are overshadowing the urgent need to tackle disinformation. While the Commission insists it’s actively assessing the reported violations, critics argue that a more decisive and timely response is crucial to protect the integrity of the EU’s digital space.
The report’s findings highlight Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaign targeting Europe. The identified content includes not only official pronouncements from Russian government accounts but also materials likely originating from the “Social Design Agency,” a company known for its involvement in Russia’s “Operation Doppelgänger” influence campaign. This sophisticated strategy involves fabricating web pages mimicking reputable Western media outlets to spread disinformation on X. The campaign’s reach is amplified by the translation of content into various European languages, ensuring wider dissemination and potentially greater impact. This multi-faceted approach underscores the serious threat posed by Russia’s disinformation operations.
Experts warn that the scale of Russia’s online disinformation efforts has significantly escalated since the invasion of Ukraine. The identified content encompasses a wide range of topics, extending beyond the war itself to include public health, COVID-19 vaccines, and environmental issues. This broad approach suggests a deliberate attempt to sow discord and erode trust in democratic institutions and scientific consensus. The researchers emphasize the urgency of addressing this threat, calling for greater coordination among European governments and swifter action from both the Commission and X. They argue that the current situation presents a clear and present danger to democratic values and requires immediate attention. The blatant nature of the violations makes them “low-hanging fruit,” requiring minimal effort to identify and remove. Failure to act decisively risks further emboldening malicious actors and undermining the integrity of the EU’s digital sphere. The report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by disinformation and the urgent need for effective regulation and enforcement to safeguard democratic processes.
The lack of adequate action by X raises fundamental questions about the platform’s accountability and its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of online information. The report’s authors urge both X and the European Commission to prioritize the fight against disinformation and ensure the effective implementation of the DSA. The findings underscore the critical importance of holding online platforms responsible for the content they host and the need for robust regulations to protect against the spread of harmful disinformation. This episode serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to combatting disinformation and safeguarding democracy in the digital age.
