The conflict between the Israeli military and the extremist group Hamas has reignited the debate over the limits of the European Union’s role in the online market. European Commissioner Thierry Breton has publicly demanded that X (formerly Twitter) follow the rules on disinformation and security on the web. Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, responded by asking for more details.
Now, X has less than 24 hours to respond, according to an open letter published by Breton. The document mentions the bloc’s Digital Services Act, which provides for sanctions such as fines of up to 6% of a company’s global turnover (whether or not it is based in the region).
Doubts hang in the air
The point is that there are doubts as to whether the European commissioner could act in this way by publicly charging a businessman. From the point of view of popular pressure, it may even be that the message brings more attention to the issue.
On the other hand, a source told Wired, “Breton is a politician, eager to stay in the news for as long as possible in the run-up to the election.” The name of the source has not been revealed to preserve his identity.
The European digital rights group EDRi believes that such great powers should not have been given to a commission whose formation is carried out in a political manner (i.e. from an election, and not in a system that resembles a court). Senior policy advisor Jan Penfrat explains, for example, that the legislation does not provide for an obligation to send a response within 24 hours.
Block Could Block X
Another expert also heard by Wired explains that the Digital Services Act provides for extreme measures in extraordinary cases, such as war situations. However, the requirements for the mechanism to be triggered have not been met in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The European Commission’s powers also provide for blocking a website in the bloc if problems with fake news and the general well-being of users are confirmed. However, such a decision could only be made after investigations that would take many months.
At least this time, it seems that Elon Musk was the victim (not the perpetrator) of a bluff.
