Twitter Pulls Out of EU Disinformation Code, Commissioner Affirms
Twitter withdraws from EU Disinformation Code. Implications, challenges, legal obligations under EU Digital Services Act. Stay informed on combatting disinformation.
Twitter has officially withdrawn from the European Union's voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation, confirmed Thierry Breton, the EU's Internal Market Commissioner.
Earlier this year, Twitter Inc. stood alone among major tech platforms in failing to submit a comprehensive report to the European Union as mandated by the code. The company had previously committed to following the code before its acquisition by Elon Musk in late 2022. However, the EU's executive branch criticized Twitter's report for its dearth of data and absence of commitments to empower fact-checkers, as stated in February.
Late on Friday, Commissioner Breton took to his Twitter account to announce, "Twitter is stepping away from the EU's voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation. But let it be known, obligations persist. You can attempt to evade, but you cannot elude."
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Breton further stressed that commencing August 25, the fight against disinformation will become a legal obligation under the EU Digital Services Act. As a "very large online platform," Twitter will be mandated to tackle harmful content and submit annual risk assessments to the commission.
"Our teams will be fully prepared for enforcement," tweeted Breton.
Elon Musk's extensive downsizing efforts at Twitter, which included the exodus of the company's entire Brussels office, have raised concerns regarding the platform's ability to enact the necessary changes to comply with EU regulations. Failure to adhere to the Digital Services Act could result in fines amounting to 6% of a company's annual revenue or even lead to the commission banning the platform altogether.
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