Elon Musk warned by European Union that Twitter could be banned unless he sticks to bloc’s digital rules
The European Union has threatened it could ban Twitter unless Elon Musk abides by its strict content moderation rules.
The warning could be the start of a regulatory battle over the future of the social media platform across Europe.
EU industry chief Thierry Breton made the threat during a video meeting with Musk on Wednesday.
Breton told the world’s richest man he must adhere to a checklist of rules which are set out in the EU’s new Digital Services Act.
“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,” he said in the meeting.
The landmark law aims to set the global standard for how tech giants must police content on the internet.
As a result, the pair agreed that the EU will carry out a “stress test” at Twitter’s headquarters early next year to assess the company’s compliance with the rules, a readout said.
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What has Musk done since taking over Twitter?
While Musk has not yet publicly commented on the report, he has previously stated that Twitter would adhere to all relevant laws.
The 51-year-old completed his $44bn (£38bn) Twitter takeover back in October and has since made some controversial decisions regarding the running of the site.
The Tesla billionaire made headlines after sacking roughly half of the company’s 8,000 workers, including 15% of the trust and safety department.
He also reinstated previously banned accounts on the platform, including the one belonging to Donald Trump, after conducting a Twitter poll asking users if they wanted to see him return.
Kanye West, who was banned from the site for making antisemitic remarks, has also seen his account reactivated.
Last week, Musk announced he will grant “amnesty” for suspended Twitter accounts – prompting experts to predict a rise in harassment, hate speech, and misinformation.
