In a shocking move that underscores the growing tension between free speech advocates and European bureaucrats, a leading EU parliamentarian has issued a stark warning to Elon Musk: either censor “disinformation and hate speech” on X, or face the platform’s complete shutdown within the European Union.
Sandro Gozi, an Italian Member of the European Parliament and a key figure in French President Emmanuel Macron’s Renew Europe group, has taken a hardline stance against X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. In an interview with the Italian paper La Repubblica on Monday, Gozi emphasized the importance of X complying with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which includes stringent regulations on content deemed as disinformation or hate speech.
“The former Twitter must also comply with the DSA directive on disinformation and hate speech,” Gozi declared. He further warned that if Elon Musk refuses to adhere to these European rules, the EU Commission could not only block X but might also push for a total dismantling of the platform across the entire continent.
This warning comes just a week after another high-profile EU official, Thierry Breton, the European Commission’s so-called “censorship czar,” sent an open letter to Musk. Breton’s letter demanded that Musk censor his live interview with former President Donald Trump, threatening severe consequences if the conversation violated EU restrictions. This move was met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the EU of meddling in American politics and stifling free speech.
Under the DSA, Brussels has the authority to impose heavy fines, up to six percent of the global turnover of large internet companies, and even ban platforms that do not comply with its strict regulations. Breton’s aggressive stance has drawn fire from within the EU itself, with some accusing him of “electoral interference” and being “attention-seeking.”
However, Gozi’s latest intervention shows that Breton is not alone in his push to enforce these draconian measures. It’s clear that a faction within the EU is determined to crack down on platforms that do not align with their views on content moderation, even if it means silencing a major social media platform like X.
Adding to the controversy, Gozi’s actions appear to be politically motivated. Shortly after issuing his threat to Musk, Gozi traveled to Chicago to attend the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in support of Kamala Harris’s campaign. His comments suggest a strong alignment with the Democratic Party’s agenda, raising questions about the true motivations behind his push to censor X.
“US elections will also have a huge impact in Europe,” Gozi said, highlighting the close ties between European Democrats and their American counterparts. His support for Kamala Harris and opposition to what he calls “Trump’s extremism” reveal a partisan bias that may be influencing his stance on free speech and censorship.
This situation highlights a growing divide between those who believe in the free exchange of ideas and those who seek to control and limit speech through government intervention. The EU’s threats against Musk and X are part of a broader trend of censorship that is gaining momentum, particularly in Europe. As global battles over free speech continue to escalate, the actions of figures like Gozi and Breton serve as a reminder of the fragile nature of freedom in the digital age.
Elon Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech, now faces a critical decision: comply with the EU’s demands or risk losing access to a significant portion of the global market. The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching implications, not just for X, but for the future of free speech in the digital era.
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