Twitter withdraws from EU pact against disinformation

Status: 05/27/2023 03:19 am

Like many other online platforms, Twitter has signed the voluntary EU code of conduct against disinformation, but no longer wants to comply with it. Commissioner Breton says Twitter cannot hide from regulations.

According to the EU Commission, Twitter is withdrawing from an EU agreement to combat disinformation on the Internet. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton tweeted that the social media platform was turning its back on the voluntary code of conduct. “But commitments remain. They can run, but they cannot hide,” he wrote.

Beyond the voluntary commitments, the fight against disinformation will be mandatory under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) from August 25. “Our teams will be ready to enforce.”

The voluntary EU code of conduct requires companies to take action against the spread of misinformation and to report regularly on progress. In addition to Twitter, the companies that have signed it include Google, Tiktok, Microsoft and the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta.

The European digital guidelines (Digital Service Act, DSA) also provide for bans on manipulative practices that urge users to make purchases and advertising aimed at children. In addition, large platforms should give users more influence over which ads are displayed to them in the future. Violations can result in fines of up to six percent of annual sales.

No comment from Twitter

The San Francisco-based company, which was acquired by tech billionaire Elon Musk, responded to press inquiries about the process with an automated response – as in most cases. Twitter did not take a position.

Since the acquisition, Musk has scrapped previous rules against disinformation, scrapping the platform’s own account verification system and replacing it with a subscription model. His declared aim is to turn Twitter into a “digital marketplace”.

Musk announced yesterday that he had found a successor for the post as head of Twitter.
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Musk wants to give up the chief post soon. He is followed by advertising expert Linda Yaccarino, who is scheduled to take up her post around the end of June.

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