In case of further rule violations: EU threatens Elon Musk with shutdown of Twitter

For further rule violations
EU threatens Elon Musk with Twitter shutdown

Twitter boss Elon Musk describes himself as an “absolutist of free speech” and wants to drastically reduce the moderation of content on his platform. However, the EU demands the opposite. If Twitter doesn’t adequately combat hate speech and disinformation, it could be banned.

EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton is increasing the pressure on the new Twitter boss Elon Musk. Penalties could be imposed if Twitter does not comply with European rules. “And if the rule violations continue, we can switch off the platform in Europe,” Breton told the newspapers of the Funke media group and the French newspaper Ouest-France. “No one should be fooled: we will do the same if it becomes necessary.”

Breton announced there would be another meeting between him and Musk before Christmas. The laws on digital markets and digital services, which will apply from next summer, “offer effective tools to curb the spread of lies and hatred,” emphasized the commissioner. “Twitter needs to meet these criteria if it wants to continue operating in the European market.”

The Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force in mid-November. With the new regulations, the EU wants to control social networks more closely. The law imposes strict requirements on the operators of online platforms, including with regard to combating hate speech, disinformation and advertising. Illegal content must be deleted immediately and consistently.

In the case of repeated, serious violations of the law, the EU can impose fines of up to six percent of global sales or even “a ban on activities on the EU internal market,” according to the commission.

“Digital Wild West”

A self-proclaimed advocate for freedom of expression, Musk has fired many Twitter employees tasked with moderating content and communicating with Brussels since acquiring the online service. He has also begun unblocking the accounts of users who were once banned from Twitter for spreading disinformation. This included the account of former US President Donald Trump.

Musk fired “very experienced employees who, over the years of consultation, have understood what we want in Europe,” said EU Commissioner Věra Jourová on ZDF. Jourová, who is responsible for values ​​and transparency as well as upholding the rule of law in the EU Commission, warned of a “digital wild west”.

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