EU Threatens Sanctions Against Elon Musk Over Suspending Journalists’ Accounts

The European Union is threatening to hit Twitter CEO Elon Musk with sanctions after the entrepreneur suspended several accounts belonging to prominent journalists over their coverage of his real-time location.

“News about arbitrary suspension of journalists on Twitter is worrying,” tweeted Values and Transparency EU Commissioner Vera Jourova on Friday. “EU’s Digital Services Act requires respect of media freedom and fundamental rights,” she continued, reiterating that such rights are protected under the European Media Freedom Act, which is expected to go live next summer before becoming fully implemented come 2024. “[Elon Musk] should be aware of that. There are red lines. And sanctions, soon,” Vera warned.

The UK echoed similar sentiment regarding Musk’s suspensions, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisting that free speech must be upheld by social media platforms, regardless of whom they’re owned by. “We have been clear that regardless of ownership of social media platforms must balance protecting their users while upholding free speech,” they said on Friday, as cited by Reuters. “That is why under the Online Safety Bill large platforms like Twitter will be prohibited from suspending or banning users where this does not breach their terms of service.”

Likewise, the German Foreign Office also took issue with Musk’s suspensions, tweeting screenshots of the affected journalists’ accounts and warning that such moves won’t be viewed lightly by the ministry. “Press freedom cannot be switched on and off on a whim,” read the ministry’s post. “The journalists below can no longer follow us, comment and criticise. We have a problem with that, @Twitter.”

Elon Musk, the self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” appears to be walking back on making Twitter a “town square” where free speech can propagate. The billionaire on Thursday axed a number of journalists’ twitter accounts after they reported on, or shared, links to ElonJet, an account posting real-time tracking data of Musk’s personal jet. Musk pointed to Twitter’s terms of service as reasoning behind the decision, which forbids doxxing— the prohibited publishing of an individuals’ personal information. “Same doxxing rules apply to ‘journalists’ as to everyone else,” he explained.

Information for this briefing was found via Twitter, Reuters, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

One Response

  1. Good for Musk in banning those journalists has it is his prerogative to do so. I was banned for life twice while under different ownership. Now regardless of ownership I don’t participate. The journalists that where banned should just move on as it is only their ego that was hurt hence the outrage.

Video Articles

Gold/Silver: People Can Still Lose Money In This Bull Market!? | Rick Rule

He Said $300 Silver!? | Peter Krauth

Dollar Will Collapse, Gold and Silver Are the Only Safe Havens | Jim Rogers

Recommended

Tsunami Warnings Spread As Largest Quake Since 2011 Hits Russia

Northern Superior Intersects 1.75 g/t Gold Over 65.0 Metres At Philibert

Related News

Stock Market Bubble Inevitable as Federal Reserve Continues Printing Trillions of Dollars

As the Federal Reserve continues to prop up various businesses and corporations across the US...

Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 01:10:12 PM

Lithium Prices Tumble As Chinese Battery Makers Pull Back On Buying

Lithium carbonate prices have plummeted over the last several weeks. After stabilizing at around US$42,000...

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 01:07:00 PM

Amex Exploration: PI Financial, Canaccord Reiterate Targets Following Latest Drill Results

Canaccord Genuity reiterated their 12-month price target of C$4.25 and their speculative buy rating on...

Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 04:09:00 PM

The Parent Company Acquires Dispensary In Ceres, California

TPCO Holdings (NEO: GRAM), whom is more commonly known as The Parent Company, this morning...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 08:25:03 AM

Breaking Down Cameco’s 2023 Financials In A Midst Of Uranium Rush

Cameco Corporation (TSX: CCO), a leading uranium producer headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has recently unveiled...

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 05:10:18 PM