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Elon Musk's social media platform, X, currently has only 2,294 content moderators working to ensure that users follow the online content rules set by the European Union (EU). This number is notably lower than the moderators employed by Google and TikTok, according to a senior official from the European Commission on Friday.
Recently implemented, the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) places additional responsibilities on 19 major online platforms and 2 major online search engines, including Google, X, TikTok, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. These platforms are now required to take more proactive measures in addressing illegal and harmful content circulating on their platforms.
Concerns have arisen regarding X, especially after Elon Musk made the decision to let go of numerous employees responsible for monitoring and regulating content. This move has raised alarms, particularly in light of the increasing spread of disinformation on the platform.
In September, reports showed that X has 2,294 content moderators in the EU, while Google's YouTube has 16,974, Google Play has 7,319, and TikTok has 6,125, as per an anonymous senior Commission official.
The official hopes X will increase its content moderators to keep up with competitors, emphasizing the peer pressure aspect of the DSA.
The Commission has expanded its DSA enforcement staff from 50 to 120 to address concerns about handling Big Tech companies' executives and lawyers.
Starting February 17 next year, all intermediary service providers, not just the 19 named in April, must comply with the DSA.
