⚡ EU Commission Did Not Sanction Threats Directed at Elon Musk
posted 13 Aug 2024
The European Commission criticized Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton for bypassing protocol by sending an official warning to Elon Musk without prior consultation with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter warned Musk of potential fines if content on Platform X threatens EU citizens.
The timing and the wording of the letter were neither coordinated or agreed with the president nor with the commissioners,the European Commission declared
Some officials, as reported by the Financial Times, consider Breton a figure with a unique approach. Insiders noted that the letter was prepared in advance and timed to coincide with Musk's interview with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Platform X, designed to elicit a strong public response.
The letter also reflects growing concerns about disinformation, which many believe is fueling far-right extremism in Europe. Musk responded with a derogatory meme quoting the movie Tropic Thunder (2008), while a Trump spokesperson urged the EU to refrain from interfering in the U.S. election.
We don’t have to comment or react whenever there is a tweet, whether it is a bonjour or a reference to a movie,an EU spokesperson replied, adding that they still expect an official response.
The investigation into Platform X has been ongoing for nearly a year, following the implementation of the Digital Services Act, designed to curb manipulation and disinformation on social media. Breton’s letter should not be interpreted as the European Commission’s final stance, despite the preliminary negative outcomes for the platform.
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