Facing allegations of election interference, the European Union on Tuesday tried to back down from a threat of censorship made by Thierry Breton, head of Brussels’ media censorship committee, over an interview between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump.
Breton’s alleged unsolicited release of a letter addressed to X owner Elon Musk ahead of his uncensored live broadcast conversation with President Donald Trump on Monday night sparked panic and seemingly forced blame.
In his letter, the French business executive turned politician threatened to use all powers in his “toolbox” under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) if the interview violates EU speech regulations on hate speech, disinformation or anything deemed harmful to “citizens’ speech and public security” in Europe.
but, POLITICO A European Commission spokesman said on Tuesday that the threats outlined in the letter were made without the consent of EU Secretary-General Ursula von der Leyen.
The website later cited “four EU officials”, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as condemning the censorship chief’s threats against Musk amid accusations of “election interference” in the US.
“The EU has no intention of interfering in elections,” one EU official told Politico. “The conduct of the DSA is too important to be exploited by attention-seeking politicians seeking their next big job.”
To be honest, I wanted to respond with this “Tropic Thunder” meme, but I would never be so rude and irresponsible! https://t.co/jL0GDW5QUx pic.twitter.com/XhUxCSGFNP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2024
Breton’s letter received backlash on social media, including from Elon Musk. Share One Tropic Thunder She responded to the French man with a meme captioned, “Take a big step and literally go fuck yourself in the face!”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino Accused “This is an unprecedented attempt to extend European law to political activity in the United States,” Breton said.
Eurosceptic politicians have also voiced support for Musk in the face of EU censorship demands, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Explained They criticised Breton’s letter as an “unrealistic and malicious threat” and pointed out that his Alliance party had voted against the EU’s DSA censorship of speech.
“Enough with these absurd rules that stifle democracy. Long live freedom of thought! We have always defended it. We have your full support. Go ahead!” the Italian populist declared.
Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss also backed Musk, amid growing establishment calls for new social media censorship in the wake of the riots in the UK. say “I am appalled by the attacks on freedom of speech in the UK and Europe,” he said on Tuesday.
“Without freedom of speech we cannot be truly free. It’s great that Elon Musk and X stood up to these bullies.”
Despite Breton’s letter appearing to have been rescinded by the EU, Musk’s X platform still faces sanctions under the EU’s DSA for allegedly spreading so-called disinformation. Large social media companies face fines of up to 6% of their global revenue, or even possible suspension, if they are found to have violated the censorship code.
Election interference: EU demands Musk comply with censorship order during Donald Trump interviewhttps://t.co/XUcKps5VHG
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) August 12, 2024
Listen to the interview below:
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 13, 2024
