EU Industry Chief Warns Twitter of Ongoing Obligations Despite Quitting Voluntary Code of Practice

Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief, issued a stern warning to Twitter after the company’s decision to withdraw from a voluntary EU code of practice aimed at combating disinformation. Breton emphasized that Twitter cannot evade its obligations, even with its voluntary withdrawal, and stressed that the fight against disinformation will soon become a legal obligation under the Digital Services Act (DSA) starting August 25. He further stated that EU teams will be prepared to enforce the regulations.

Requirements of the Voluntary Code of Practice

Companies that had signed up for the voluntary code were required to provide regular progress reports, including data on the amount of advertising revenue they prevented from reaching disinformation actors. They were also obligated to share information regarding the acceptance or rejection of political advertisements, as well as instances of detected manipulative behaviors.

Thierry Breton’s Response and Twitter’s Changes

Expressing his disappointment in Twitter’s decision, Breton tweeted, “Twitter leaves EU voluntary code of practice against disinformation. But obligations remain. You can run but you can’t hide.” He emphasized that despite Twitter’s withdrawal, the company still holds responsibilities towards tackling disinformation.

Following its acquisition by Elon Musk for $44 billion in October, Twitter underwent significant restructuring, including substantial job cuts and various operational changes. Notably, the company no longer maintains a public relations department.

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Legal Obligations under the Digital Services Act

The Digital Services Act (DSA) places obligations on several major online platforms, including Twitter, Google, Meta Platforms Inc (formerly Facebook), Microsoft Corp, and Alibaba’s AliExpress, among others, to intensify their efforts in combatting illegal online content. Failure to comply with the DSA can result in fines of up to 6% of the company’s global turnover for violations.

Thierry Breton: Enforcement of the Digital Services Act

Breton underscored that beyond voluntary commitments, the fight against disinformation will transition into a legal obligation under the DSA. Starting from August 25, companies will be required to adhere to the Act’s provisions. EU teams are prepared to enforce these regulations to ensure compliance.

Twitter’s Playful Response

In response to an email request for comment, Twitter, which no longer maintains a public relations department, chose to reply with a poop emoji, indicating a cheeky or dismissive attitude toward the request.

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Impact on Online Content and Disinformation Mitigation

The enforcement of the DSA and the continued commitment to combating disinformation reflect the EU’s determination to address the challenges posed by online platforms. The regulations aim to improve content moderation and reduce the spread of false information, ultimately fostering a safer and more reliable online environment for users.

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