Elon Musk defies EU warning ahead of interview with Trump
Elon Musk has achieved his goal and interviewed with Donald Trump, the US presidential candidate. Before this conversation, the head of the X service received a letter from Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services. The EU official issued a warning to the American billionaire.
The presidential campaign in the USA involves figures from the worlds of politics, art, and business. Support for Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has been expressed by Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Charli XCX. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidency, also has a group of creators backing him. One of the most powerful allies of the eccentric billionaire is Elon Musk.
Musk supported Trump when he restored his profile on the X service. The politician had been blocked on most social media platforms following the attack on the Capitol in January 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the seat of the US Congress, resulting in five deaths. Musk not only unbanned Trump but also interviewed with him.
Musk did not ask Trump uncomfortable questions, so the Republican candidate felt very at ease. The gentlemen touched on a range of topics, from an assassination attempt on Trump through the issue of immigration to the development of electric vehicles. The conversation took place with a delay of more than 40 minutes due to many users having trouble accessing the interview.
Thierry Breton writes to Elon Musk
Before the conversation, an open letter addressed to the head of the X service circulated online. The publication's author was Thierry Breton, the EU Internal Market and Services Commissioner. The official reminded the American entrepreneur that during the conversation with Trump, he must adhere to EU regulations prohibiting the promotion of hate speech.
Breton stated that Musk has a "legal obligation" to do everything possible to limit the dissemination of harmful content on the service he heads. The official warned Musk that any negative impact of illegal content could prompt the EU to take further action against X. To this end, it will use all tools, including temporary measures if required, to protect EU citizens from harm.
Elon Musk under the scrutiny of the EU
Musk cannot count on lenient treatment by EU officials. In July, the EU accused the X service of not complying with social media regulations. The company faces the threat of a massive financial penalty.
Breton's letter should be read in connection with the racial riots that swept across the United Kingdom. The X service played a significant role in them. The platform featured many false reports claiming that the British government was planning to detain protesters in internment camps.
Musk did not leave Breton's appeal unanswered. The head of the X service responded with a vulgar meme, unequivocally mocking the EU's stance.
