Twitter: Elon Musk Given 24 Hours To Address Graphic Images Of Hamas Attacks.
Elon Musk, the high-profile CEO and entrepreneur, is facing a ticking clock as he is given 24 hours to respond to a directive from the European Union.
Thierry Breton, the European Union Commissioner responsible for overseeing the Digital Services Act (DSA), has issued a stern warning to Musk regarding graphic images and disinformation linked to the recent violence in Israel circulating on X, formerly known as Twitter. Failure to comply with the EU’s content rules could have serious consequences for Musk and his social media platform.
The Digital Services Act, a set of comprehensive regulations designed to govern online content within the European Union, has been a point of contention and discussion for many tech companies operating in the region.
These regulations require social media companies to swiftly remove content that falls under the categories of hate speech, incitement to violence, and any materials that promote or glorify terrorist organizations. As the violence erupted in Israel following Hamas’s attacks in early October, X found itself inundated with disturbing images, videos, and hashtags that depicted the ongoing conflict in graphic detail. According to the platform’s own policies, this type of material should be removed immediately.
Thierry Breton took it upon himself to reach out to Elon Musk and highlight the responsibilities and obligations that come with operating a social media platform in the European Union. The message was clear: Elon Musk has until the end of Wednesday to address the concerns regarding graphic content on X or face the full force of the new EU social media rules. If X fails to comply, it could face fines of up to 6 percent of its revenue, a significant penalty by any measure.
“I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate, and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours,” Breton wrote in his message to Musk, “We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA.”
The gravity of the situation is not limited to the European Union. Michelle Donelan, the British minister responsible for the UK’s own online content regulations, is also stepping in to address the issue. She plans to meet with several major media companies, including Google, Meta, X, TikTok, and Snapchat, to remind them of their obligations in removing content related to antisemitism and extreme violence, particularly in the wake of the recent Hamas attacks.
“We are taking action to stand in solidarity with Israel and our Jewish community,” Donelan stated on X, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to tackling the issue of harmful content.
Elon Musk, known for his strong presence on social media platforms and his commitment to free speech, responded to Breton’s post on X by requesting clarity on how X may have potentially violated Europe’s content rules. Musk defended his platform by asserting, “Our policy is that everything is open source and transparent.” In response, Breton succinctly stated, “Up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk.”
As the clock counts down to the end of the 24-hour deadline, all eyes are on Elon Musk and X to see how they will address the concerns raised by European regulators. The case is a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of online content regulation, where tech giants and governments must find common ground to balance freedom of speech with the need to curb the spread of harmful and violent content. The outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for social media platforms and their responsibilities in the digital age.
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Graphic Images Of Hamas Attacks.
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