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EU Industry Chief Warns Elon Musk to Comply with EU Law Ahead of Trump Interview on X

By  |  August 12, 2024
Trump

In a strongly worded letter sent on Monday, European Union industry chief Thierry Breton reminded billionaire Elon Musk of his obligation to comply with EU regulations just hours before Musk’s scheduled interview with U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The interview is set to air at 8 PM Eastern Time and will be accessible to users across the European Union, raising concerns among EU officials.

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    According to Reuters, Breton emphasized the importance of adhering to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that large platforms like X must take stronger measures to combat illegal content and mitigate risks to public safety. “In this context, I am compelled to remind you of the due diligence obligations set out in the Digital Services Act (DSA),” Breton wrote in his letter to Musk.

    Last month, EU tech regulators ruled that X had breached the DSA, accusing the platform of deceiving users through its use of blue checkmarks, a verification feature intended to signify the authenticity of user accounts. X, however, disputed the EU’s findings and its owner, Elon Musk, has threatened legal action against the European Union in response to the charges. The platform, which Musk acquired in 2022, could face multimillion-euro fines if it fails to comply with EU social media laws.

    Related: Advertising Group Suspends Brand Safety Unit Amid Lawsuit from Elon Musk’s X

    “As the relevant content is accessible to EU users and being amplified also in our jurisdiction, we cannot exclude potential spillovers in the EU,” Breton stated in a post on X. He further warned that any negative effects stemming from illegal content could prompt the EU to take additional action against X, potentially utilizing a range of measures to protect European citizens from harm.

    The scrutiny surrounding X and its compliance with international regulations has intensified since Musk reinstated Trump’s account on the platform. Trump was originally suspended following the January 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol due to the “risk of further incitement of violence,” according to statements made by the company at the time.

    Musk’s management of X has also drawn criticism in the United Kingdom in recent days, following the platform’s alleged role in inciting race riots. Musk has been accused of spreading false information, including claims that the U.K. was planning to open detainment camps for rioters. Additionally, Musk engaged in a public feud with Humza Yousaf, the Muslim former First Minister of Scotland, accusing Yousaf of harboring animosity toward white people.

    Per Reuters, the growing concerns over Musk’s controversial actions and statements on X have alarmed lawmakers worldwide, with many expressing fears that the platform’s unchecked spread of misinformation could have serious global repercussions.

    Source: Reuters