EU warns Twitter of possible fines, possible ban over hate speech
The European Union warned Elon Musk that Twitter could face fines and possibly a ban if it doesn't beef up measures to moderate hate speech and misinformation.
Thierry Breton, the EU's commissioner for digital policy, held a video call with Musk on Wednesday to talk about Twitter s preparation for the Digital Services Act. The new rule, which is going to take effect next year, will require tech companies to better control their platforms for material that promotes terrorism, child sexual abuse, hate speech and commercial scams.
Breton said that he was pleased to hear that Musk considers the EU rules a sensible approach to implement on a worldwide basis. According to a readout of the call, Musk said that there was still a lot of work ahead. Twitter will have to implement transparent user policies, strengthen content moderation and protect freedom of speech, tackle disinformation with resolve, and limit targeted advertising. Following a chaotic legal saga, Musk took over of Twitter late last month, praised by many — particularly those on the right — as a triumph for free speech. He has reinstated some high-profile accounts and promised a general amnesty for those who were suspended for violating Twitter's content rules in recent weeks.
Others have lamented Musk's takeover, saying that his stewardship over the past month has led to a rise in hate speech.
In a Wednesday blog post, the company said Human Safety is its top priority and that its trust and safety team continues to work to keep the platform safe from hateful conduct, abusive behavior, and any violation of Twitter's rules. The readout said that Musk 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.
That will help the company prepare for an independent audit required by the new law, which is intended to protect internet users from illegal content and to reduce the spread of harmful but legal material.
Violations can result in huge fines of up to 6% of a company's annual global revenue or even a ban on operating in the European Union's single market.
Musk risks running afoul of Apple and Google, which power most of the world's phones, along with European regulators. Both have stringent policies against misinformation, hate speech and other misconduct. Apps must meet certain data security, privacy and performance standards.
Musk tweeted this week that Apple threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won't tell us why. Apple hasn't commented on Musk's allegation.