Elon Musk challenges the European Union (EU) and many of us are wondering if the end of Twitter as a social network in Europe is nearing after the decision of the tycoon to remove the initiative against misinformation from the company.
The future EU Digital Services Law has generated controversy since its announcement at the end of April. This regulation aims to protect minors, address illegal content, ban certain ads, and combat misinformation online. However, Twitter has decided to take a different path.
According to Insider reports cited in 3D Gamesthe Musk-owned social network has chosen to voluntarily waive the European Union’s code of practice for combating online misinformation.
This move has raised concerns, since it could imply the total suspension of Twitter operations in Europe. As the weeks go by, this possibility seems more and more real, and the platform finds itself in the center of the storm.
What does the EU think about it?
European Union officials have expressed their belief that this situation was only a matter of time. Twitter’s withdrawal from the voluntary code of practice has created uncertainty about its future in Europe.
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner, has pointed out that although the platform has abandoned the agreement, still has legal obligations under the Digital Services Act, which will enter into force on August 25. Therefore, Twitter must moderate its content until that date, since it continues to operate in European territory.
Twitter leaves EU voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation.
But obligations remain. You can run but you can’t hide.
Beyond voluntary commitments, fighting disinformation will be legal obligation under #DSA as of August 25.
Our teams will be ready for enforcement.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) May 26, 2023
Elon Musk, for his part, has maintained his defiant stance towards European Union regulations. Recently, he posted a tweet with a quote mistakenly attributed to Voltaire, which actually belongs to Kevin Strom, a convicted neo-Nazi. In other words, Musk is not willing to accept the limits set by the EU.
The future of Twitter in Europe now hangs by a thread. As the deadline set by the Digital Services Law approaches, it remains to be seen if the platform will cave to the demands of the European Union or if it will take more drastic measures.