Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has reportedly expressed concerns about the future of the service in Europe in response to a newly implemented internet platform regulation within the region, according to a report from Reuters.
Musk’s Consideration
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the billionaire entrepreneur has been in discussions about potentially removing the availability of the X app in the European region or blocking users in the European Union from accessing it.
Background on the New Regulation
This decision comes after the European Union adopted the Digital Services Act (DSA) in August this year, which outlines regulations aimed at curbing the spread of harmful content, restricting specific user-targeting practices, and requiring the sharing of certain internal data with regulators and affiliated researchers, among other provisions.
EU Industry Chief’s Request
Thierry Breton, the European Union’s industry chief, called upon Elon Musk on October 11 to address disinformation on the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, in light of concerns surrounding its compliance with the new EU online content rules, particularly in the aftermath of an incident involving Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Claims of Disseminating Illegal Content
Breton, on Tuesday, asserted that X (formerly Twitter) was being utilized for the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation within the European Union.
Musk’s Response
Elon Musk responded to Breton’s concerns by stating, “Our policy is that everything is open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports. Please list the violations you allude to on X so that the public can see them. Merci beaucoup.”
EU’s Commitment to Enforcement
Breton, in response, emphasized that it was Musk’s responsibility to demonstrate a commitment to compliance with the DSA.
He further stated that the EU would rigorously enforce these regulations, adding, “Vu, merci.
You are well aware of your users’—and authorities’—reports on fake content and glorification of violence.
Up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk. My team remains at your disposal to ensure DSA compliance, which the EU will continue to enforce rigorously.”
