The European Union issued a warning to Twitter owner Elon Musk, noting that the platform has until August 25 to comply with Europe’s ambitious online content law and moderate dangerous messages. European Commissioner Thierry Breton communicated this information after meeting with the Twitter team, including Elon Musk via video conference from New York and the platform’s new CEO, Lina Yaccarino, at Twitter’s headquarters.
Breton stressed that there are specific areas that will be of immediate importance when the regulation comes into force, especially those related to child abuse and election misinformation, issues of great relevance to Europe.
The European commissioner’s two-day visit to San Francisco comes shortly after the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is set to apply to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
The main focus is on Elon Musk, who since taking control of Twitter has made abrupt changes to the rules on what language is allowed on the platform, including whether it is offensive, promotes hate, or spreads misinformation. These actions are in direct conflict with new European legislation.
In a visit to Paris the previous week, Musk stated his intention to comply with the DSA’s demands, which was welcomed by the European Union. However, due to cuts in Twitter’s staff and the downsizing of content moderation teams, some observers doubt that Musk is in a position to deliver on his commitment.