EU Warns Musk’s X Over ‘Illegal’ Disinformation After Hamas Attack
The European Union has warned Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, over the spread of “illegal” disinformation after a Hamas attack on Israel.
As the European Union’s commissioner responsible for overseeing the digital economy and regulating internet giants within the EU, Thierry Breton has the authority to take legal action against these platforms. In response to recent terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas against Israel, Breton has raised concerns about the dissemination of illegal content and misinformation on Elon Musk’s platform, X.
Breton reminded Musk that the EU has stringent rules regarding content moderation, particularly when it involves violent and terrorist content circulating on the platform.
He called upon Musk and X to respond to his complaint within 24 hours and urged them to cooperate with Europol, the EU’s police coordinating agency. Breton noted that Musk’s response would be taken into account in the assessment of X’s compliance with the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which governs online platforms.
He also mentioned that if a potential investigation reveals non-compliance, penalties can be imposed.
Elon Musk, in response to a user’s post of the letter on X, invited Breton to specify the violations he was alluding to. Musk emphasized his platform’s commitment to openness and transparency, principles that he believes the EU supports.
Breton said that the EU had “tough rules” on moderating content, “especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content”. He warned Musk that X could face fines or even a ban in the EU if it did not comply with these rules.
Musk has previously said that he is committed to freedom of speech on X. However, he has also said that he is working to develop new tools to combat disinformation on the platform.
Musk’s commitment to freedom of speech is understandable. However, it is important to note that freedom of speech is not absolute. There are certain types of speech, such as hate speech and incitement to violence, that are not protected by freedom of speech.
The EU’s warning to Musk comes at a time when there is growing concern about the spread of disinformation on social media platforms. Disinformation has been linked to a number of problems, including violence, hate crimes, and the erosion of democracy.
The EU’s warning to Musk is also a reminder that governments have a role to play in combating disinformation. Governments need to work with social media platforms to develop strategies to prevent and respond to disinformation campaigns. Governments also need to invest in education and awareness programs to help people identify and avoid disinformation.
-inputs Afp
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