EU Warns Musk: Comply with Digital Services Act for Trump Interview on X

In a recent development, Thierry Breton, the European Union's industry chief, has issued a stern reminder to Elon Musk regarding compliance with EU regulations. The warning comes in anticipation of Musk's scheduled interview with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the social media platform X, set to take place on August 13, 2024, at 12 AM GMT.

Breton's letter to Musk emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark EU legislation aimed at creating a safer digital environment and protecting users' fundamental rights. The DSA, which became fully applicable to large online platforms on August 25, 2023, requires these entities to take greater responsibility in tackling illegal content and mitigating risks to public security.

"DSA obligations apply without exceptions or discrimination to the moderation of the whole user community and content of X (including yourself as a user with over 190 million followers) which is accessible to EU users and should be fulfilled in line with the risk-based approach of the DSA, which requires greater due diligence in case of a foreseeable increase of the risk profile"

This reminder is particularly significant given X's recent history with EU regulators. In July 2024, the platform was found to be in breach of the DSA, specifically regarding its use of blue checkmarks. Originally intended to verify the authenticity of accounts of public interest, the blue checkmark system on X has been a point of contention since Musk's $44 billion acquisition of the platform in October 2022.

The EU's proactive stance in regulating big tech companies is evident in its implementation of laws like the DSA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These regulations aim to ensure transparency in algorithmic processes and content moderation practices, with non-compliance potentially resulting in penalties of up to 6% of a company's global turnover.

Elon Musk, who has described himself as a "free speech absolutist," has a history of challenging regulatory bodies. His approach to content moderation on X, which boasts over 330 million monthly active users worldwide, has been a subject of scrutiny. The platform's decision to reinstate Donald Trump's account, following his ban in January 2021 after the U.S. Capitol riot, has further intensified discussions about content moderation and free speech on social media.

As the EU continues to address concerns about the spread of disinformation on social platforms, the upcoming interview between Musk and Trump presents a critical test of X's compliance with the DSA. The outcome of this event could have significant implications for the future of content moderation and regulatory compliance in the digital sphere.

In response to the EU's assessment of DSA compliance, X has expressed disagreement, with Musk hinting at potential legal action. This standoff highlights the ongoing tension between tech innovators and regulatory bodies as they navigate the complex landscape of digital governance and user protection.

As the digital world continues to evolve, the implementation and enforcement of regulations like the DSA will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online communication and information sharing. The EU's approach to regulating the digital economy may set a precedent for other regions, potentially influencing global standards for online platforms and user rights protection.