EU regulators are closely watching Elon Musk's live interview with German far-right leader Alice Weidel for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, as Brussels assesses compliance ahead of Germany's general election.

European Union regulators are intensifying scrutiny of Elon Musk's social media platform, X, as the tech billionaire prepares to host a live interview with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. With Germany’s general election looming on February 23, the broadcast is raising questions about compliance with EU laws, particularly those concerning fairness and transparency under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

EU Regulators on High Alert


The European Commission has expressed concerns about whether the X platform might provide an unfair advantage to Weidel’s AfD party during a critical election period. The party, which has gained prominence with its anti-immigration stance, is currently polling in second place.

According to reports, Brussels-based regulators are investigating whether X’s algorithm amplifies content in a way that could tilt the political playing field. Specifically, the Commission is focusing on whether the platform is promoting Weidel’s content disproportionately while downplaying that of rival parties.

Digital Services Act in Focus


At the heart of this scrutiny lies the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act. Passed to ensure accountability and transparency in the digital space, the DSA grants regulators extensive powers to investigate tech platforms, including access to algorithms and internal correspondence.

European Commission officials, supported by experts from the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency in Spain, are expected to review Thursday night's broadcast as part of a broader investigation into X's compliance with the DSA.

“Whether the platform’s algorithm boosts certain content unfairly is central to the investigation,” Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated earlier this week.

Potential Consequences for X


If found in breach of EU law, X could face significant penalties, including fines of up to 6% of its annual global revenue. Regulators could also impose measures to halt violations, such as mandating changes to the platform’s operations or placing the company under extended supervision with daily fines for non-compliance.

The investigation into Musk’s platform has already made headlines, as the EU formalized accusations against X in July. The outcome of Thursday's broadcast may strengthen the case, marking the first major enforcement action under the DSA.

A Diplomatic and Political Flashpoint


The stakes extend beyond regulatory compliance. With former U.S. President Donald Trump poised to re-enter office and maintaining close ties with Musk, any significant ruling against X could spark a diplomatic standoff. Decisions on penalties will ultimately be made at the political level within the European Commission, where officials have vowed to “progress vigorously with the matter.”

A Pivotal Moment for EU Tech Regulation


Elon Musk’s live interview with Alice Weidel represents more than just a media event—it’s a critical test of the EU’s ability to enforce its digital governance framework. As regulators closely analyze X’s operations, the outcome could set a precedent for how global tech giants are held accountable in an era of increasing political and social influence.