To the surprise of absolutely no one, Elon Musk has no intention of complying with the rules of the European Union in the fight against disinformation.
But the now ex-CEO of Twitter could hardly have had worse timing: he quit the “misinformation code of best practice” just months before it became mandatory for platforms operating in the world from voluntary. ‘European Union. It therefore remains to be seen if this is just another bluff on his part, or if the one who bows to the demands of the authoritarian regimes will refuse those of the EU.
What is the Disinformation Code of Practice?
Created only in 2018, this code brings together a number of rules and good practices, the most important of which aim to prevent the dissemination and especially the means of financing online hate. Note also the obligation to report political advertisements as such. Although this was drafted under the aegis of the European institutions, for a long time it was only pious hope: partially designed by the companies that were to apply it, its signature, just like its actual application, was done in a non- constraint.
But all of that is about to change. Because from next August 25, this code of conduct will no longer be voluntary. On this date, a European law will come into force and will place the digital and new technology giants under increased surveillance. Companies that refuse to comply with these rules could be fined up to 6% of their worldwide turnover. Something to think about, at random, those who lose half of their advertising revenue in one year.
In the event of a repeat offense, the sanction could be even worse if we are to believe Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for the Digital Transition, for whom Twitter would then simply be exposed to a ban on European soil.
Disinformation, the goose that lays the golden eggs of Musk’s Twitter
If Twitter were to finally fall into line, it would not be, far from it, the first time that Elon Musk has reconsidered one of his statements. But the recent past, starting with its management of the social network, still has reason to doubt. Because after all, who can be for disinformation?
Without going that far, it is certain that Musk is not opposed to it. His general amnesty for the various neo-Nazis, conspirators, and other crooks on his platform upon his arrival undid the already questionable work that the previous leadership had done on the subject. But his masterpiece in this area is undoubtedly the creation of Twitter Blue, which far from settling the platform’s financial problems as hoped, has affixed a label of respectability to all those who misinformation a profession – or at least a hobby.
And it is not the recent arrival on the platform of one of the figures of American disinformation – the polemicist not presentable enough for fox News Tucker Carlson – which risks reversing the situation.
Sources: France Info, European Commission
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