The EU can suspend social network X due to Elon Musk’s political activities, but any suspension would likely be temporary, experts told AFP.
Former Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton stated on French television channel LCI recently that two laws, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), could lead to a judge imposing a suspension.
Musk and Breton are involved in a private conflict.
The owner of X refers to the ex-French commissioner as the “Tyrant of Europe,” while Breton accused the billionaire of “foreign meddling” for endorsing the far-right German party AdF.
The European Commission extended its inquiry into social network X on Friday due to concerns of algorithm manipulation favoring extreme right parties.
Musk is a close supporter of Donald Trump, who is returning as the US President and aims to streamline and downsize the federal bureaucracy.
What is the framework for regulation?
X, similar to smaller EU platforms, has to adhere to more rigorous obligations, particularly when it comes to moderation.
The new European regulation emphasizes its significant impact on shaping public opinion.
The text highlights the dangers that these platforms pose to media freedom and pluralism, as well as the potential negative impacts on democratic processes.
Its implementation in real-world scenarios may present challenges, according to Alexandre De Streel, an expert in digital law at the European Regulatory Centre in Brussels.
It can be challenging to demonstrate bias in an algorithm as it requires access to and comprehension of the algorithm.
What kinds of penalties could be imposed?
Jean Cattan, Secretary-General of the French Digital Council, believes that suspending the X network is a realistic but extreme measure.
The DSA does not anticipate implementing a complete ban.
A judge can decide on a temporary suspension as the most severe penalty, following the option of imposing a fine of up to 6% of the platform’s annual global turnover.
This forward movement would naturally continue over a period of time.
Cattan mentions that the DSA hinders quick responses, referring to the situation in Romania where the presidential election was halted and TikTok was investigated by the European Commission following the initial round.
This network is believed to have assisted Russian interference on behalf of far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
About 30 Members of the European Parliament from various political ideologies have recently written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, requesting an assessment of X’s adherence to the DSA, specifically referring to the “German election campaign” as a notable example.
The letter inquires about the European Commission’s location and its plans following the discovery that Platform X is not in line with the Digital Services Act.
Some European Union members support Elon Musk, with a Slovenian Member of the European Parliament even nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, portraying him as a champion of free speech.
A debate is planned for Tuesday in the Strasbourg Chamber concerning complaints of interference directed at Elon Musk.