Musk says he’s ‘aligned’ with EU approach to digital rules

LONDON

After meeting with the chief of the single market bloc, Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter.

Thierry Breton, EU Internal Market Commissioner, told The Associated Press Tuesday that he explained to Musk how the bloc’s online regulations seek to protect free speech and make sure nothing illegal “will be prohibited in the digital space.” Musk “fully accepted” the statement.

Musk was featured in a tweet by Breton late Monday saidThe two men had a “great conversation” and he agreed with the Digital Services Act. It is expected that final approval will be given later in the year. It will force major tech companies such as Twitter, Google and Facebook parent Meta to monitor their platforms more closely for illegal or damaging content. Or face billions in fines.

Musk’s plans to purchase Twitter for US$44Billion has raised concerns that he will make changes to the platform to prioritize free speech over online security. This could put him in conflict with Europe’s looming rules, which have led to a global movement to reduce the power of tech companies.

This 65-second clip shows that Musk and the EU may be closer than it seems. Breton tells Musk that he discussed the Digital Services Act with him in a meeting at Tesla headquarters in Texas. Musk counters that it’s “exactly in line with my thinking.”

“I agree with everything that you have said.” saidMusk, it is true!” said. “I believe we are very similar in our minds and, you know what, anything my companies can do to benefit Europe is something we want to do.”

Musk, a billionaire who is a self-described free speech absolutist and attempted to acquire Twitter, raised concerns about his willingness to take a passive approach in content moderation.

Breton explained to AP that he explained to Musk the new law meant “we also need to have more moderators and in the language we operate.” He understood everything.

Breton stated that the pair agreed on how important it is to be able to inspect algorithms which determine who social media users are shown. said.

Musk calls for greater transparency in algorithms under the Digital Services Act.

A second topic of discussion was President Donald Trump’s ban on Twitter for inciting violence to the U.S. Capitol Insurrection. Musk reportedly opposed this ban.

Breton saidMusk told him that EU law contains provisions to preserve users’ rights, such as the right to appeal against bans.