Regulators closely monitor Twitter and its compliance with data protection regulations. Musk should not underestimate the Commission’s efforts to hold big platforms accountable, warned EU Commissioner for Transparency and Democracy Věra Jourová.
Jourová stressed that European digital laws must be respected by everyone. “They also apply to Twitter, regardless of who owns it. Musk should not underestimate our efforts to hold major platforms accountable,” the commissioner said.
This is also the reason why Twitter is now under European surveillance. “Regulators are already closely monitoring compliance with applicable data protection regulations, and we will also be able to enforce the Digital Services Act later this year,” Jourová explained.
The takeover of Twitter by billionaire Elon Musk and his subsequent decisions are attracting the attention of the European institutions. For example, he decided to fire employees who track potentially illegal or controversial content. The platform has also blocked the accounts of several prominent journalists.
Twitter could face penalties of up to 6 percent of its global revenue if it fails to comply with EU rules. However, Jourová sees sanctions as a last resort. “First and foremost, I want them to respect the law and reduce the risks they pose to all their users,” she told EURACTIV.cz.
As EURACTIV.cz learned, parliament is also concerned about Musk’s decision, having invited him to a meeting in December. However, the office of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, confirmed that there was no response to the invitation.
“We expect Twitter to comply with the legal framework in which it operates,” added Jüri Laas from the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.
Although Twitter’s recent moves raise concerns, Commissioner Jourová considers the platform to be an important partner in the fight against disinformation and illegal hate speech. “This must not change even after the dismissal of a large number of Twitter employees in Europe,” said Jourová.
She added that under Musk’s leadership, Twitter has confirmed its willingness to respect the code of conduct on disinformation. “We will have our first assessment (of the implementation of the Code) later in January, which will also be a stress test,” concluded the Commissioner.
