The European Commission, described as the “executive arm” of the European Union, is trying to force X CEO Elon Musk to censor presidential candidate Donald Trump on an American platform.
Musk announced on Sunday that he and Trump are set to host a “live conversation” on X, marking Trump’s return to the platform. But a letter from Thierry Breton of the European Commission issued a threat on Monday to Musk over the “amplification of harmful content.”
The letter claims Musk, who owns a U.S.-based company, is obligated to adhere to EU law meant to govern European politics. The letter also claims Breton and his “services” aim to “protect EU citizens from serious harm.”
“This notably means ensuring, on one hand, the freedom of expression and of information, including media freedom and pluralism, are effectively protected and, on the other hand, that all proportionate and effective mitigation measures are put in place regarding the amplification of harmful content in connection with relevant events, including live streaming, which, if unaddressed, might increase the risk profile of X and generate detrimental effects on civic discourse and public security,” the letter states.
The letter then suggests Musk must inform “EU judicial and administrative authorities without undue delay on the measures taken to address their orders against content considered illegal, according to national and/ or EU law” and “publicly report[] about content moderation measures,” among other things.
“As the relevant content is accessible to EU users and being amplified also in
