Listen to this article Twitter Announces Withdrawal From EU Disinformation Code
Introduction
Twitter’s recent decision to exit the European Union’s voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation has garnered attention. This article provides insights into the circumstances surrounding Twitter’s withdrawal, the EU’s response, and the implications of this development.
Twitter’s Noncompliance and Limited Report
Earlier this year, Twitter Inc. stood as the only major tech platform that failed to submit a comprehensive report to the European Union under the disinformation code. The company had committed to following the code prior to Elon Musk’s acquisition in late 2022. The EU’s executive arm expressed dissatisfaction with Twitter’s report, citing a lack of data and absence of commitments to empower fact-checkers, as stated in February.
Announcement of Twitter’s Exit Internal Market
Commissioner Thierry Breton announced on Friday via his Twitter account that Twitter was withdrawing from the EU’s voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation. Despite the withdrawal, Breton emphasized that obligations would persist, implying that Twitter would still be held accountable for its actions.
Legal Obligations under the EU Digital Services
Act Breton highlighted the forthcoming legal obligations for combatting disinformation, effective from August 25, under the EU Digital Services Act. Since Twitter qualifies as a “very large online platform,” the company must address harmful content and submit annual risk assessments to the commission.Breton reinforced his statement by expressing readiness for enforcement from the commission’s teams.
Concerns and Challenges
Elon Musk’s significant restructuring of Twitter, including the complete departure of the company’s Brussels office, has raised concerns about Twitter’s ability to implement the necessary changes to comply with the EU’s regulations.Also observers question whether the company will be able to meet the requirements set forth by the EU given the recent developments.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Moreover failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Digital Services Act could result in substantial penalties for businesses. In severe cases, the commission may impose fines of up to 6% of annual revenue, and platforms that do not meet the required standards could potentially face a ban.
