Suppose Elon Musk does not comply with the requests made by Brussels to delete violent photos and misinformation relating to the events in Israel from his social network X by the end of Wednesday, October 11. In that case, he will be subject to the total weight of Europe's new social media laws.
EU vs. Musk
European Union Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is in charge of the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), wrote to CEO Musk to remind him of his responsibilities under the bloc's standards.
According to Politico, Musk may be fined up to 6% of X's income for any violations of EU law if he fails to comply. Social media platforms are obligated to delete any content that promotes terrorism, including but not limited to hate speech, incitement to violence, or graphic pictures or propaganda.
Since Hamas began its terrorist strikes on Israel on October 7, X has been overwhelmed with photographs, videos, and hashtags documenting how a lot of individuals have been slaughtered or abducted. Also, such content is prohibited under X's own rules and must be taken down immediately.
Breton wrote late Tuesday night, October 10, on X, "I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate, and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours. We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA."
Meanwhile, British minister Michelle Donelan, who is responsible for the United Kingdom's distinct online content rules, will also meet with many social media giants, including Google, Meta, X, TikTok, and Snapchat on Wednesday. This is to serve as a gentle reminder that, in the light of the Hamas assaults, they are obligated to take down any and all information that promotes or glorifies antisemitism or extreme violence.
"We are taking action to stand in solidarity with Israel and our Jewish community," Donelan stated on X.
While responding to Breton's tweet, Musk demanded that the French lawmaker provide specific examples of how he believed X breached Europe's content laws. "Our policy is that everything is open source and transparent," according to him. To which Breton answered, Up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk."
Vu, merci.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 10, 2023
You are well aware of your users’ — and authorities’— reports on fake content and glorification of violence.
Up to you to demonstrate that you walk the talk.
My team remains at your disposal to ensure DSA compliance, which the EU will continue to enforce rigorously.
See Also: Biden Vows To Provide Support to Israel After Confirming Americans Among Hostages, Killed
Live Broadcast of Hostage Execution?
Earlier this week, as the Israel-Palestine crisis continues, Hamas terrorists vowed to kill captives on live broadcasts if Israel struck Gaza without notice.
A Hamas official claimed in a video posted on X that any attack on innocent people without notice would result in the execution of hostages. He said the murders would have to be aired. Unidentified sources indicated that, unlike previous Gaza operations, Israel would not drop mock bombs on buildings to warn the civilians inside.
At the time, Israel estimated Hamas had 150 Israeli captives. The Western Journal reports that this number has increased after last weekend's assaults.
See Also: Israel Conflict Puts US College Administrators at Odds Over Pro-Palestinian Student Groups
