Twitter’s Compliance with Europe’s Stringent Big Tech Regulations Under Scrutiny

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Thierry Breton, a prominent European Union official responsible for digital policy, is currently in Silicon Valley to assess Twitter’s readiness to adhere to the European bloc’s stringent new digital regulations. These comprehensive standards, applicable to all major online platforms, must be implemented within a mere two-month timeframe.

As the EU’s representative overseeing the Digital Services Act (DSA), Breton is leading efforts to ensure that tech companies enforce measures to combat hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful content on their platforms. The DSA will come into effect on August 25, primarily targeting major platforms.

Brussels has become a trailblazer in the global movement to regulate Big Tech, with the DSA and upcoming regulations concerning data and artificial intelligence solidifying its pioneering role.

In a tweet, Breton shared details of his meeting at Twitter headquarters, where he conducted a voluntary “stress test” to evaluate the platform’s preparedness for the new rules. He expressed satisfaction with Twitter’s serious approach to the exercise and reported constructive discussions with owner Elon Musk and newly appointed CEO Linda Yaccarino.

During the mock exercise, Twitter’s ability to meet the DSA’s requirements was assessed, encompassing tasks such as safeguarding children online, identifying and mitigating risks like disinformation, and handling both normal and extreme situations.

Since Elon Musk assumed ownership of Twitter last year, the platform has witnessed a surge in hate speech, prompting concerns. Musk has reinstated notorious election deniers, revamped Twitter’s verification system, and made significant changes to the moderation team responsible for overseeing posts.

Last month, Breton cautioned Twitter that it cannot evade its obligations after the platform withdrew from the EU’s voluntary “code of practice” on combating online disinformation, which other social media platforms have committed to following. Under the Digital Services Act, combating disinformation will become a legal requirement.

Musk has affirmed Twitter’s commitment to comply, stating, “If laws are passed, Twitter will obey the law,” during an interview with France 2 TV.

Breton’s agenda for Friday includes discussions with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, focusing on the EU’s digital regulations and upcoming artificial intelligence policies. OpenAI is known for its widely used AI chatbot, ChatGPT.

The DSA is part of a comprehensive update to the EU’s digital regulations, aiming to hold tech companies accountable for content moderation and enhance user protection online. European users of major tech platforms will benefit from easier reporting mechanisms for illegal content, including hate speech, and will receive clearer explanations regarding recommended content.

Violations of the DSA can result in fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue, which could amount to billions of dollars for tech giants, or even a ban on operating within the EU, a market of 450 million consumers.

In addition to his engagements, Breton will meet with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, a leading supplier of semiconductors for AI systems. The discussions will revolve around the EU’s Chips Act, designed to bolster the continent’s chipmaking industry.

Simultaneously, the EU is finalizing the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive set of rules governing this emerging technology. The AI Act has garnered attention due to its potential to infringe on privacy, disrupt employment, and violate copyright laws. While final approval is anticipated by the end of this year, the legislation will not take effect until two years later. Breton has proposed a voluntary “AI Pact” to assist companies in preparing for its implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Big Tech regulations

More about Big Tech regulations

• Digital Services Act (DSA) – European Commission
• EU’s Trailblazing Digital Regulations – European Commission
• Thierry Breton – European Commission
• Twitter’s Compliance with DSA – Reuters
• AI Act – European Commission
• Regulating AI in Europe – European Commission
• Big Tech Regulations – CNBC