Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is set to host a live-streamed conversation with US presidential hopeful Donald Trump on his X platform. However, the EU’s internal market chief Thierry Breton has urged Musk to adhere to legal obligations under the EU’s digital rulebook ahead of the interview. Breton emphasized the importance of implementing measures to mitigate harmful content amplification during live streaming events to protect civic discourse and public security.
The conversation between Musk and Trump is scheduled to be broadcasted from Trump’s X channel. Trump recently returned to the platform after Musk acquired it in 2022, following the former US president’s ban for inciting the 2021 Capitol attacks. Musk’s takeover of X has raised concerns in the EU, with the platform classified as a ‘very large’ online platform subject to stringent regulations under the Digital Services Act.
Tensions between Musk and Breton have escalated, with Musk suing the European Commission in response to accusations of breaching the DSA. Breton’s recent letter highlights concerns over X’s role in spreading content that could incite violence or disorder, referencing recent unrest in the UK that Musk has been accused of fueling.
While the UK is no longer under EU regulation, the potential for harmful content to reach EU audiences remains a concern. Breton vows to closely monitor X’s compliance with the DSA and take necessary measures to protect EU citizens. With an estimated 300 million global users, including a significant portion in the EU, X’s role in shaping online discourse and maintaining public safety is under scrutiny.
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