The Musk threat to European democracy

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European democracies are confronting a new threat of online influence and confusion—not from autocracies like Russia, but from the United States. Elon Musk, X owner and ally of Donald Trump, is using his network to disparage leaders he dislikes and Far right propaganda Opinions and politicians. Matter CEO Mark Zuckerberg is already shifting to a Mask-style approach that prioritizes “free speech.” Independent fact-checking on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. European leaders may fear that if they clash with these US billionaires in an attempt to protect their democracy, they may now face retaliation from the White House.

Musk’s vast wealth and social media reach have broadened his power due to his closeness to the US president-elect. The X-Boss seems intent on spreading political tension abroad. he has supported The far-right AfD party will be ahead of the German election on Thursday Host a livestream with its chancellor candidate Alice Weidel. He baselessly accused UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “engaging in gang rape” – referring to a decade-old scandal. Child rape group — wickedly A woman abused the ministerand called for the release of a jailed far-right activist. He asked his 211 million X followers whether the US should free the UK from its “tyrannical government”.

Meta’s Zuckerberg So far, he has not used his platform to promote his own or extremist views. But X’s model of “community notes” — instead of independent fact-checking — relies on users to flag misinformation — even just in the U.S. to see if content will be properly policed ​​elsewhere. Raises questions about This appears to be a frantic effort Curry for Trump In addition to clearly aligning with Musk’s — and Trump’s — idea of ​​”free expression” after past friction, the meta boss said he would work with the incoming president to oppose “institutional censorship” of online platforms in Europe. This creates a conflict between US social networks and EU and UK content regulation requirements.

In responding to Musk, in particular, democratic leaders in Europe and elsewhere should avoid a panicked overreaction that would play into his hands. Starmer hit the right note this week announcementWithout naming the X owner, a “line has been crossed” by those spreading lies and misinformation online. Musk, however, succeeded in setting the UK political agenda A historical scandal, however tragic and unfair, is artificially brought back into the spotlight.

Uncertainty over how durable the Musk-Trump friendship will prove may also warrant some tolerance; There is a split in the pro-Trump coalition. A fall-out would reduce the impact of the mask somewhat – and risk elsewhere for politicians trying to contain it.

European leaders should make clear, however, that there are rules that Musk and Zuckerberg’s networks must abide by. Both the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act are threatening heavy fines For large online platforms that fail to prevent illegal content, including various types of distractions. An EU investigation was launched last summer Preliminary results X of that musk violated the DSA In areas including alleged deceptive tactics to manipulate user behavior, advertising transparency, and access to data for researchers.

EU and UK rules are far from perfect. Both jurisdictions need to take care not to regulate the technology, as Zuckerberg alleged this week. stifling innovation. But allegations of left-wing bias in European content moderation serve as a smokescreen for the political and personal agendas of Trump, Musk and Zuckerberg. Europe’s democratic values ​​are so fundamental that its leaders should not shy away from enforcing the rules designed to protect them – even if it risks clashing with X or Meta bosses, or with a returning US president.