Chapter 1: Introduction to X and the DSA

Recently, I was inspired to upgrade to X Premium after reading a compelling article titled "Why I Upgraded to X Premium as a Writer, Curator, and Strategist" by my mentor, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz. However, a troubling report about X's regulatory issues made me reconsider, as privacy is a major concern for me. Let me share the details so you can stay informed.

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022, rebranding it as X, the platform has been under scrutiny by the European Commission. They are investigating potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is designed to ensure that significant digital platforms protect user privacy and curb the spread of harmful content.

A recent report shared on X revealed that after months of investigation, it appears that X has not adhered to DSA regulations regarding advertising transparency. Unlike Meta's Facebook, which boasts an easily navigable ad library, X lacks a similar resource, making ad tracking—a crucial aspect of the DSA—difficult.

Moreover, Musk's decision to place X's application programming interface behind a costly paywall has hindered researchers' access to vital public data, stalling more than 100 research initiatives.

The European Commission also criticized X's verification system. Musk replaced the traditional blue checkmark, which once indicated authenticity and prominence, with a subscription-based model accessible to anyone. This change has resulted in a rise of fraudulent accounts masquerading as verified users.

Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, did not hold back in his assessment. He stated that the blue checkmarks, previously trusted symbols, have lost their reliability. He emphasized that X's transparency in advertising and data access does not meet DSA standards.

Musk, in true fashion, responded with a series of provocative tweets, questioning the validity of Breton's blue checkmark and labeling the DSA as "misinformation." He even claimed that the European Commission proposed a "secret deal" to quietly censor speech—an allegation that Breton vehemently denied.

The regulatory findings are still in their preliminary stages, giving X an opportunity to respond. Should these findings be validated, X could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue and be mandated to implement corrective actions. Europe has shown effectiveness in regulating tech giants, and one can only hope that similar efforts will emerge in the United States.

Additionally, the European Commission is not solely focused on X. Other major tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are also being investigated for possible infringements of the Digital Markets Act, indicating a broader regulatory effort against Big Tech.

This narrative is ongoing, promising a dramatic clash between Musk and European regulators. So, keep your popcorn handy for the unfolding events.

A detailed examination of the EU's Digital Services Act and how it governs content moderation on platforms like X.

Chapter 2: The Broader Implications of the DSA

An analysis of the impact of the EU's Digital Services Act on platforms like X, featuring the latest updates and insights.

In the digital landscape, drama is ever-present. Scammers have targeted me yet again, leading to my account being cloned. This incident highlights the risks faced online.

My plans moving forward include remaining active on this platform, as I value the community. However, I'm also exploring new opportunities. For instance, I've recently launched a Substack site aimed at supporting new writers.

As I continue to engage with my audience, I invite contributions to my Quora Space focused on Health and Science, where writers can build their readership.

Thank you for following my story. I welcome your comments and insights as well!