Elon Musk Lashes Out at EU Over ‘Illegal’ Free Speech Deal

Elon Musk accuses the European Commission of offering a secret deal to suppress free speech on X, leading to a public dispute over compliance with the Digital Services Act （DSA）.

Points

• Musk accuses EU of offering a secret deal to suppress free speech.
• European Commission claims Musk’s platform violated the DSA.
• Potential fines of up to $200 million if X fails to comply.
• Musk’s allegations ignite public debate on free speech and regulation.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has publicly accused the European Commission of offering X （formerly Twitter） an “illegal secret deal” to suppress free speech. This accusation comes in response to the Commission’s press release stating that X was in breach of the Digital Services Act （DSA）.

The DSA aims to ensure a safe and fair online environment for European citizens, protecting their rights, including freedom of expression. According to the European Commission, X potentially violated the DSA on three counts: selling “verified” blue checkmarks to the public, lacking advertising transparency, and failing to assist researchers and public inquiries adequately.

Musk fired back, labeling the DSA as “misinformation” and accusing the Commission of attempting to censor speech without public knowledge. He claimed, “The European Commission offered X an illegal secret deal: if we quietly censored speech without telling anyone, they would not fine us. The other platforms accepted that deal. X did not.”

Following Musk’s comments, X users and notable figures like Tyler Winklevoss rallied in support of Musk, praising his stance against what they perceive as overreach by the European Commission. Winklevoss tweeted, “Thank you for this principled leadership. Keep fighting the good fight!”

However, EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier countered Musk’s claims, stating, “The objective of the Digital Services Act is to ensure a safe and fair online environment for European citizens that is respectful of their rights, in particular, freedom of expression. There has never been—and will never be—any ‘secret deal.’”

The ongoing dispute has intensified discussions about the balance between free speech and regulatory oversight in the digital age. With potential fines of up to $200 million if X fails to comply, the outcome of this conflict could set significant precedents for social media platforms and their regulatory obligations.

解説

• Digital Services Act （DSA）: The DSA is a regulatory framework aimed at creating a safer online environment by addressing issues such as misinformation, illegal content, and user rights. Compliance with the DSA is mandatory for digital platforms operating in the EU.
• Free Speech vs. Regulation: Musk’s allegations highlight the tension between upholding free speech and enforcing regulations designed to protect users. This debate is central to modern digital governance and the responsibilities of tech companies.
• Public and Regulatory Response: The public support for Musk underscores a broader concern about potential overreach by regulatory bodies. However, regulatory agencies argue that such measures are necessary to protect users and maintain order in the digital space.
• Impact on Social Media Platforms: The outcome of this dispute could influence how social media platforms operate within regulatory frameworks. Platforms may need to navigate these regulations carefully to balance user rights with compliance obligations.