The European Union threatens the social network with “sanctions”.
The European Union is threatening to crack down on Twitter in the absence of a sustained and seemingly censorious undertaking. While dozens of American journalists were removed from the social network on December 15, at the discretion of its new head, Elon Musk, several European voices sharply condemned the decision and threatened the company. “penalties”Friday, December 16.
“The news about the arbitrary suspension of journalists on Twitter is a cause for concern”, he tweeted European Commission Vice President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova. He reminds that the law on digital services should apply to big tech companies next summer. “requires respect for media freedom and fundamental rights”Before alerting Twitter :
“Elon Musk should be aware of this. There are red lines. Sanctions coming soon. »
“Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy”
Critics of Mr. Musk’s decision came first from across the Rhine. Germany’s foreign ministry expressed concern early Friday after the platform’s chief decided to suspend the accounts of journalists critical of him. “Freedom of the press cannot be easily switched on and off” the chancellor wrote on his Twitter accountabove the suspended accounts screenshot. “This is why we have a problem with Twitter,” he adds.
Wolfgang Buchner, the spokesman of the German government he tweeted “personal note”assuming “Arbitrarily suspending the accounts of journalists on Twitter is unacceptable”. “If this evolution continues, I will leave this platform”wrote that he has an account on the Mastodon social network and reminding so was his government.
Representative Roland Lescure, minister responsible for industry in France, announced stop late in the morning “all [son] Activity on Twitter until further notice ». Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Digital Transition, he also said “I’m Suffering From Elon Musk’s Twitter Acceleration Slip,” adding “ press freedom is democracy itself. Attacking one is attacking the other..
Dozens of American journalists were removed from the social network on Thursday. Among them are media people like CNN (Donie O’Sullivan). The New York Times (Ryan Mack), The Washington Post (Drew Harwell) and independent journalists. Some tweeted about Twitter’s decision Wednesday to stop Elon Musk’s account from automatically reporting his private jet trips.
CNN threatens to “re-evaluate” its relationship with Twitter
Elon Musk, who has been the source of much controversy and editorial changes since buying the social network in October, gave some indication of his decision in a tweet late Thursday night: “It’s okay to criticize me all day, but not to reveal my location in real time and put my family at risk.” » Before adding: “The same rules apply to “journalists” as to everyone else. »
“Impulsive and unjustified dismissal of a number of reporters [du journaliste] CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan is concerned but not surprised”The American CNN news channel reacted in a press release. “Twitter’s increasing instability and volatility is particularly worrying for anyone using the platform. We have asked for an explanation from Twitter and will re-evaluate our relationship based on that response.”CNN added.
“We hope that the accounts of all these journalists will be restored and that Twitter will provide a satisfactory explanation.”said the spokesman New York TimesCharlie Stadtlander.
