Brussels Warns Elon Musk on Compliance with EU Laws Ahead of Trump Interview

In a recent communication, Thierry Breton, the European Commission’s Internal Market Commissioner, reminded billionaire Elon Musk of his obligations under European Union laws as he prepares for an interview with US presidential candidate Donald Trump on the social media platform X. The interview is set to take place at 2 AM Central European Time on Tuesday and will be accessible to users within the EU. Breton emphasized the importance of adhering to the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that very large online platforms, like X, take significant measures to manage illegal content and ensure public safety. He pointed out that these obligations apply universally to all users, including Musk, who has a substantial following of over 190 million on the platform. The Commissioner highlighted that the DSA requires a risk-based approach to content moderation, particularly in light of any potential increase in risk profiles. This reminder comes after European tech regulators determined last month that X had violated the DSA by misleading users regarding its blue checkmark verification system. As the interview approaches, the pressure mounts on Musk and X to comply with EU regulations, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of social media platforms in managing content and user safety within the European market.