A top European Union official warned Elon Musk on Wednesday that Twitter needs to beef up measures to protect users from hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content to avoid violating new rules that could lead to big fines or even a ban in the 27-nation bloc.
As reported by The Huffington Post, EU’s commissioner for digital policy Thierry Breton told the billionaire Tesla CEO that the social media platform will have to significantly increase efforts to comply with the new rules, known as the Digital Services Act, set to take effect next year or it could face a total ban in Europe.
The warning came during a video call to discuss Twitter’s preparedness for the law, which will require tech companies to better police their platforms for material that, for instance, promotes terrorism, child sexual abuse, hate speech and commercial scams.
As noted by HuffPost, the rules are part of a new set of digital governing principles that has made Europe the global leader in the push to rein in the power of social media companies, potentially thwarting Musk’s vision for a more unrestricted Twitter.
Musk told Breton that “there is still huge work ahead,” and that Twitter “will have to implement transparent user policies, significantly reinforce content moderation and protect freedom of speech, tackle disinformation with resolve, and limit targeted advertising.”
Musk also agreed to let the EU’s executive Commission carry out a “stress test” at Twitter’s headquarters early next year to help the platform comply with the new rules ahead of schedule.
Breton said he was pleased to hear that Musk considers the EU rules “a sensible approach to implement on a worldwide basis.” according to HuffPost.
I welcome @elonmusk's intent to get Twitter 2.0 ready for the #DSA🇪🇺
Huge work ahead still — as Twitter will have to implement transparent user policies, significantly reinforce content moderation and tackle disinformation.
Looking forward to seeing progress in all these areas. pic.twitter.com/Nc7sGlb9YL
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) November 30, 2022
