EU warns Elon Musk over content rules ahead of Trump interview

The European Union has sent a warning to Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, reminding him about the rules for handling harmful content. This warning comes just before Musk’s big interview with former President Donald Trump.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton sent the letter, stressing that X needs to manage harmful content properly, especially during major events. The letter highlighted that X must follow the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates illegal content and misinformation on big social media platforms.

Breton pointed out that how X handles such content, like during live broadcasts, could affect its standing with the EU. He mentioned recent violent protests in the UK as an example of how X's response could impact its EU investigation.

Musk’s interview with Trump, which is set to be unscripted and cover a wide range of topics, has drawn extra attention since Musk recently endorsed Trump’s run for president.

In reply to the EU’s warning, X CEO Linda Yaccarino criticized the letter, calling it an overreach into U.S. politics. She argued that it suggests Europeans can't form their own opinions.

Musk also responded with a meme from the movie “Tropic Thunder” but later clarified he intended to address the issue more seriously.

The Trump campaign joined in, saying the EU should stay out of U.S. elections and accusing it of trying to limit free speech. They argued that if Trump wins, he will focus on trade policies that put the U.S. first.

The EU’s warning highlights ongoing concerns about how social media handles political content and misinformation.

[Source: The Hill]