The European Commission sent a letter to X Corp owner Elon Musk and company CEO Linda Yaccarino on Monday warning them of possible legal consequences if the upcoming interview between Musk and former President Donald Trump airs uncensored. According to Commission leadership, the live sit-down between Musk and Trump could potentially spread “harmful content” to European audiences, a violation of the Digital Services Act that could lead to penalties and restrictions against the company.
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“I am writing to you in the context of recent events in the United Kingdom and in relation to the planned broadcast on your platform X of a live conversation between a US presidential candidate and yourself, which will also be accessible to users in the EU,” Thierry Breton, European commissioner for the internal market, wrote in the letter. “We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate and racism in conjunction with major political – or societal – events around the world, including debates and interviews in the context of elections. I therefore urge you to promptly ensure the effectiveness of your systems and to report measures taken to my team.”
#BREAKING: The European Union has issued a formal letter to Elon Musk, demanding that he censor Donald Trump in their upcoming interview tonight. pic.twitter.com/oVRqZjQEUS
— Valuetainment Media (@ValuetainmentTV) August 12, 2024
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In response to the letter from the European Commission, Yaccarino called the “an unprecedented attempt to stretch a law intended to apply in Europe to political activities in the US.”
“It also patronizes European citizens, suggesting they are incapable of listening to a conversation and drawing their own conclusions,” she said on X.
This is an unprecedented attempt to stretch a law intended to apply in Europe to political activities in the US. It also patronizes European citizens, suggesting they are incapable of listening to a conversation and drawing their own conclusions. https://t.co/RmxL4VFuvV
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) August 12, 2024
Musk responded to the letter more succinctly, using a meme from the movie”Tropic Thunder” to convey his message to the Commission.
To be honest, I really wanted to respond with this Tropic Thunder meme, but I would NEVER do something so rude & irresponsible! https://t.co/jL0GDW5QUx pic.twitter.com/XhUxCSGFNP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2024
Musk’s unscripted interview with Trump is scheduled for Monday night at 8 pm EST.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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