Musk interviews Trump, EU warns of looming penalties for service X

The presidential campaign in the U.S. engages figures from the worlds of politics, arts, and business. Support for Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has come from various people, including Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Charli XCX. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency, also has a group of creators supporting him. One of the most powerful allies of the eccentric billionaire is Elon Musk.

Musk expressed his support for Trump when he restored his profile on service X. The politician was blocked on most social media following the attack on the Capitol in January 2021. That incident saw Trump supporters storm the U.S. Congress, resulting in five deaths. Musk not only unbanned the billionaire but also interviewed him.

Musk did not ask Trump uncomfortable questions, so the Republican candidate felt very comfortable. The gentlemen touched on a range of topics, from the attack on Trump to immigration issues to the development of electric vehicles. The conversation started over 40 minutes late, as many users had trouble accessing the interview.

Before the conversation started, an open letter addressed to the head of service X was circulating on the internet. The author of the publication was Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services. The official reminded the American entrepreneur that during his talk with Trump he must comply with EU regulations prohibiting the promotion of hate speech.

Breton stated that Musk is legally obligated to do everything to limit the spread of harmful content on the service he heads. The official warned Musk that any negative impact of illegal content could make the EU take further action against X. For this purpose, it will use all tools, including the use of temporary measures, if necessary to protect EU citizens from harm.

Musk cannot count on lenient treatment by EU officials. In July, the EU accused service X of not complying with social media regulations, and the company faces a threat of a gigantic financial penalty.

Breton’s letter should be read in connection with the racial riots that swept through the United Kingdom. Service X played no small role in them. The platform contained many false reports claiming the British government planned to detain demonstration participants in camps.

Musk did not leave Breton's plea unanswered. The head of portal X responded with a vulgar meme mocking the EU's position.

Source: Politico/Euronews/X