EU Lawmakers Urge Action Against Musk's Political Interference Ahead of German Elections

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European Union lawmakers are calling for swift action from the European Commission in response to Elon Musk's perceived interference in European politics. Concerns are mounting as Musk, the owner of the social media platform X and the world's richest person, prepares to host a livestream with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), scheduled for this Thursday.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) argue that the Commission has been sluggish in enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), designed to govern the conduct of social media companies. Damian Boeselager, an MEP, has urged the Commission to investigate whether Musk's promotion of his tweets violates legal standards set by the DSA, which aims to curb disinformation and protect electoral integrity. He claims that recent findings about X's algorithm promoting Musk’s tweets could be illegal due to lack of transparency.

France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has intensified pressure on the Commission, emphasizing the need for rigorous application of existing laws to safeguard elections. The DSA penalties can reach up to 6% of a company’s global turnover for violations. Although the Commission initiated an investigation into X last year concerning its deceptive practices, it has yet to conclude the findings.

Lawmakers across various parties have voiced the need for the Commission to act more decisively in regulating the platform, which they believe risks undermining democracy as Musk gains visibility for his political views. The ongoing investigation into X and its conduct is closely monitored, with specific focus on Musk's potential monopolization of discourse surrounding the upcoming German elections.

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