EU Warns Elon Musk About Harmful Content on X Before Trump Interview

The European Commission has given Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (previously known as Twitter), a serious warning regarding the platform's management of harmful content. This precedes a live discussion between Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which will be available to users in the European Union.

Thierry Breton, an important figure in the European Commission, issued a formal letter stressing X's responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a significant EU law that imposes strict rules on content moderation for big online platforms. As X has more than 300 million users worldwide and is categorized as a 'Very Large Online Platform' according to the DSA, it must comply with strict EU regulations.

Breton's letter emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming live interview, emphasizing that X should make sure its content aligns with EU regulations, given that a large number of its users are based in the EU. Breton stated that if you have control over a platform with more than 300 million global users, with one-third in the EU, designated as a Very Large Online Platform, you are legally required to ensure X follows EU law, especially the DSA in the EU.

The letter emphasized the X's need to both safeguard freedom of expression and implement measures to combat harmful content. Breton highlighted the recent turmoil in the UK to demonstrate how social media content amplification can result in violence, hatred, and disinformation, especially during politically tense times.

Breton also cited current legal actions against X due to its management of illicit content under the DSA, cautioning about the possible dangers of X's content strategies during important political occurrences. He added, "We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate, and racism in conjunction with major political – or societal – events around the world".

The letter concluded with a stern warning to Musk: "My services and I will be extremely vigilant to any evidence that points to breaches of the DSA and will not hesitate to make full use of our toolbox, including by adopting interim measures, should it be warranted to protect EU citizens from serious harm".