European Commission scrutinizes Musk's livestream with far-right leader Alice Weidl

On January 6, 2025, the European Commission stated that Elon Musk is free to express his opinions while reminding that his platform, X, must adhere to regulations to avoid influencing elections. Musk's comments on X indicated his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), stimulating concerns about his interference in the upcoming election set for February 23. As part of this dialogue, a livestream with AfD leader Alice Weidl was planned for January 9. The Commission has previously shown concern regarding content moderation and has initiated investigations into platform compliance with the Digital Services Act. In the broader context, Musk's escalating involvement in political discourse on X is noted. While there is no prohibition on expressing personal political beliefs as the owner of a platform under EU regulations, the Commission underscores the importance of managing systemic risks that may arise from such support. They emphasized that the platform shouldn't favor particular content types, preserving neutrality to protect democratic processes. Musk's actions raise complex questions about the intersection of personal and political expression on social media, especially in sensitive political environments. The situation has become increasingly significant in light of Musk's earlier emphasis on freedom of speech and transparency when acquiring Twitter, now rebranded as X. This current engagement appears contrary to his proclaimed ideals, as critics argue that his selective attention toward certain political narratives reflects tendencies of censorship, mirroring actions he has previously criticized in other platforms. The scrutiny on Musk is compounded by increasing concerns over misinformation and the potential influence of social media figures on electoral outcomes, especially in Europe where regulatory frameworks are being strengthened. The ongoing discussions and Musk's upcoming livestream are being keenly observed by both supporters and opponents of his political inclinations, anticipating how they might shape perception and actions within political circles in Germany and beyond.