EU warns Musk to beef up Twitter controls ahead of new rules
CTV
A top European Union official warned Elon Musk on Wednesday that Twitter needs to beef up measures to protect users from hate speech, misinformation and other harmful content to avoid violating new rules that threaten tech giants with big fines or even a ban in the 27-nation bloc.
A top European Union official warned Elon Musk on Wednesday that Twitter needs to beef up measures to protect users from hate speech, misinformation and other harmful content to avoid violating new rules that threaten tech giants with big fines or even a ban in the 27-nation bloc.
Thierry Breton, the EU's commissioner for digital policy, told the billionaire Tesla CEO that the social media platform will have to significantly increase efforts to comply with the new rules, known as the Digital Services Act, set to take effect next year.
The two held a video call to discuss Twitter's preparedness for the law, which will require tech companies to better police their platforms for material that, for instance, promotes terrorism, child sexual abuse, hate speech and commercial scams.
It's part of a new digital rule book that has made Europe the global leader in the push to rein in the power of social media companies, potentially setting up a clash with Musk's vision for a more unfettered Twitter. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also said Wednesday that an investigation into Musk's $44 billion purchase was not off the table.
Breton said he was pleased to hear that Musk considers the EU rules "a sensible approach to implement on a worldwide basis."
"But let's also be clear that there is still huge work ahead," Musk said, according to a readout of the call released by Breton's office. "Twitter will have to implement transparent user policies, significantly reinforce content moderation and protect freedom of speech, tackle disinformation with resolve, and limit targeted advertising."
After Musk, a self-described "free speech absolutist," bought Twitter a month ago, groups that monitor the platform for racist, antisemitic and other toxic speech, such the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, say it's been on the rise on the world's de facto digital public square.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday they would not let any oil out of the Middle East until U.S. and Israeli attacks cease, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten to hit Iran “twenty times harder” if it blocked exports.
World shares tumbled on Monday, with Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunging more than 5%, after oil prices spiked at nearly $120 a barrel, casting a shadow over economies heavily dependent on imports of oil and gas from the Middle East.
The war in the Middle East is quickly pushing some countries around the world towards a potential energy crisis.
The U.S. customs agency is readying a system within 45 days to process refunds on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs that were struck down as illegal, a customs official said in a court filing on Friday.
Whether it’s a refrigerator, washing machine, an air conditioner, or any other appliance, there’s an adage that states, 'they don’t make them like they used to.'
Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew breaks down how the ongoing Canada–U.S. trade conflict is affecting Canadian stocks, which sectors are most exposed, and what everyday investors can do to protect and position their portfolios.
March is Fraud Prevention Month, a time when Canadians are encouraged to be extra cautious and vigilant, to avoid becoming victims to scams.
Goldminer Discovery Silver Corp. said Monday that it has acquired Glencore Canada’s Kidd operations in the Timmins area.
Oil prices rose sharply Monday as U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. military installations around the Gulf sent disruptions through the global energy supply chain.
Relief may be brewing for Canada’s coffee industry grappling with the bitter effects of a global price surge.