Elon Musk's X takes High Court case against Ireland's media regulator's investigation

Papers were filed in the High Court on Monday, along with an affidavit as part of the judicial review taken by X against Coimisiún na Meán.

Social media giant X has filed a High Court case against Ireland’s media regulator, in what is understood to relate to a significant investigation launched into the Elon Musk-owned platform last week.

Papers were filed in the High Court on Monday, along with an affidavit as part of the judicial review taken by X against Coimisiún na Meán.

Last week, Coimisiún na Meán announced its first ever probe into one of the big social media firms it oversees under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

The regulator is investigating potential breaches of Article 20 of the law, which requires platforms to provide users with fair and accessible complaint-handling systems.

It will look into whether users can appeal X’s decisions not to remove content they have reported, and whether the company properly informs them of the outcomes of those reports.

“We are taking an important step in ensuring a safer online experience for users across the European Union,” digital services commissioner John Evans said.

“If we suspect that any platform is failing in these obligations, we will not hesitate to intervene and where appropriate take enforcement action to protect the safety of users in Ireland, and across the European Union.” 

It can impose a fine of up to 6% of global turnover if it determines X has breached the law. As a private company, X does not disclose financial data, but Twitter publicly reported revenue of $4.51bn in 2021.

X is being represented by Fenecas Law in this fresh case. No court date has yet been listed.

This is one of several High Court battles between Coimisiún na Meán and X in recent times. In the summer, X was unsuccessful in its challenge to the Online Safety Code.