EU Commission Warns Musk Over Inflammatory Content
So it seems that Xās relationship with the European Commission is going well.
Today, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has issued X with a reminder of its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to protect Xās EU users from misinformation, as well as inflammatory content that could āincite violence, hate and racismā within EU member states.
Though the specific content Breton highlights is not directly related to Europeans, as such.
With great audience comes greater responsibility #DSA
As there is a risk of amplification of potentially harmful content in ???????? in connection with events with major audience around the world, I sent this letter to @elonmusk
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ā Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) August 12, 2024
And while Bretonās broader point here is relevant, that posts shared by users outside of Europe can still have an impact in the region, it does seem like a fairly pointed attack on X and its owner Elon Musk, whoās been amplifying a range of spurious claims about political concerns, particularly related to the U.K., of late.
Today, as Breton notes, Musk is also interviewing former President Donald Trump on X, in what Musk has promoted as being āunscripted with no limits on subject matter.ā Which Breton, and many others, are concerned could divulge into further incitement and politically divisive commentary, which is why Breton felt the need to get ahead of the broadcast.
But Musk has not taken the note well, essentially dismissing Bretonās concerns, and criticizing the EU Commissionās perceived overreach.
That response unlikely to work in Xās favor amid ongoing scrutiny from the EU Commission, with X already under official investigation over Muskās changes at the app.
Of course, this is a legal concern, not a personal one, and if the EU Commission wants to enforce its rules, itāll need to show actual cause and effect. But there is also a strong argument to be made that Musk is facilitating politically motivated hate speech, and that Musk himself is playing a part in race-based unrest in the U.K. via his comments in the app.
Though again, the U.K. is no longer part of the EU, so itās beyond the jurisdiction of the EU Commission. Which is why Musk and his supporters are so incensed by Bretonās intervention here, stepping into an area which, in their view at least, has nothing to do with them.
And it does feel a little like Breton has sought to prod Musk, as much as to highlight Xās DSA obligations.
So, whatās the final outcome here? Well, if anything, it seems that itāll only push Elon to make even more controversial remarks, in order to stand his ground against what he sees as personal targeting by Breton and the Commission. Musk will also be keen to use the opportunity to show his supporters that heās not going to back down from his āfree speechā stance.
Which really feels like the biggest risk here. Musk is essentially being goaded by his supporters into thumbing his nose at authority, and to do that, he does seem to be doubling-down, and amplifying more extreme content, in order to show that heās not going to take such orders from anybody.
Thatās the element that could end up getting him in more trouble. Aside from shredding relationships with regulatory leadership, Musk is also increasingly keen to hold firm on his controversial remarks when challenged.
And this feels like another challenge that will push him to solidify his stances.
The final outcome, then, is that X will come under even more scrutiny, and with the Commission able to impose significant fines and penalties, that seems like a not-so-great scenario for the business.
Essentially, Elon is seemingly being set up to push his limits, and test EU laws. Which is bait that heās unlikely to resist.