EU threatens Musk Twitter with a ban if it doesn’t comply with EU laws: FT

• According to the FT, a high-ranking EU official informed Twitter CEO Musk that the platform must adhere to content moderation laws.
• Commissioner Thierry Breton warned that Twitter could face a ban or a fine across the EU if it violates EU law.
• Musk repeatedly stated to Breton that he considered the EU’s Digital Services Act “very sensible.”

The European Union warned Elon Musk Twitter that it could be banned from operating within the bloc if the social media platform does not adhere to its content moderation regulations. Financial TimesReported Wednesday

Thierry Breton was the European Union’s commissioner in charge of the internal market and was on a video conference with the Twitter CEO at the time he gave the warning. The FT reported that people with knowledge of this discussion were present.

Breton tweeted about Wednesday’s call with Musk, stating that there is still “huge work to do.”

—Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) November 30, 2022

Musk Twitter must follow a set of rules that Breton stated to Musk, including removing an “arbitrary” approach. reinstating banned accounts,According to the FT, Twitter must also agree to  an “extensive independent audit” by 2023.

The regulations refer to the EU Digital Services ActThese were in force as of November 16.The Act includes “cover detection, flagging, and removal of illegal material.”

However, Twitter has closed its entire officeMusk’s acquisition of Twitter raised concerns about the company’s compliance to EU safety rules online. Twitter has been hit with a lot of negativity since Musk’s acquisition. layoffs globally,With cuts in every department, including content moderation.

According to Breton, Musk Twitter could be subject to an EU-wide ban if they don’t comply with the law. The FT reported. Twitter could also be subject to a maximum 6% fine for violating the law.

Breton was reported to have heard Musk tell Musk that he believes the EU’s Digital Services Act is “very sensible” which should be applied globally.

Twitter stated in a Wednesday blog post Musk bought the company for $44Billion and has not changed any of its policies. “The trust and safety teams of the social network are strong and well-resourced. Automated detection plays an increasing role in eliminating abuse.” 

Twitter stated that “Our approach to policy enforcement is more heavily based on de-amplification violative content: freedoms of speech but not freedoms of reach.” 

Twitter and the European Commission did not immediately respond when Insider sent them comments outside of regular business hours.