Elon Musk’s intention to host a live interview with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on his platform X has sparked significant scrutiny from the European Union.
Set to take place on January 9, the discussion has prompted the EU to monitor the event closely for potential violations of its Digital Services Act (DSA). This livestream occurs just weeks before Germany's snap elections scheduled for February 23, raising alarms about foreign interference and the integrity of the electoral process.
On Monday, EU officials confirmed there were no direct breaches of the DSA yet, as it does not explicitly outlaw the upcoming livestream. Thomas Regnier, the EU’s digital spokesperson, emphasized, "Freedom of expression is at the core of our democracy." He noted the DSA permits Musk to express political views but requires platforms like X to manage risks related to civic discourse and electoral processes effectively.
Concerns about Musk’s involvement with the AfD have grown, particularly following his public endorsement of the party, which he claimed was "the only party capable of saving the country from destruction," as stated in his December op-ed for Die Welt.
The DSA aims to prevent platforms from giving preferential treatment to specific content, particularly far-right material, which could undermine electoral fairness. Regnier pointedly remarked, "Platforms must avoid algorithmic amplification of specific far-right messages." He reiterated the need for users to have the ability to opt out of politically related content.
Further complicATING matters is the fact X is currently under investigation for suspected violations, including issues surrounding how it manages civic discourse and potential electoral interference. The Commission's investigation began last December and focuses on whether Musk’s actions, such as algorithmically boosting his own posts, violate the DSA.
The EU is taking proactive steps to address these concerns. A roundtable set for January 24 will bring together German authorities, digital platform representatives, and civil society to discuss how to mitigate online risks. This meeting is particularly relevant, as many believe Musk’s actions could significantly impact the upcoming elections.
Reaction to Musk’s planned interview has varied. Some German politicians, including MEP Damian Boeselager from the Volt/Greens party, have expressed deep concern, arguing Musk's interference could skew the electoral process. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also weighed in, highlighting worries about the broader influence of tech billionaires on politics.
Former DSA enforcer Thierry Breton pointed out the potential advantages the interview might create for Weidel. He argued it might provide her “a significant and valuable advantage over her competitors.” This perceived imbalance has raised pressing questions about fairness and transparency within Germany's political campaign ecosystem.
Nevertheless, Regnier clarified, "The DSA does not censor content. You are free to express your views. But there are limits, especially when a platform is used for this purpose." This statement serves as both reassurance and caution, emphasizing the need for responsible use of platforms during politically sensitive times.
Given Musk's controversial reputation and influence over X, scrutiny surrounding the platform's compliance with the DSA continues to intensify. Notably, if the Commission finds evidence supporting claims of bias or undue influence, X could face penalties reaching up to 6% of its global turnover.
The upcoming interview with Weidel not only accentuates the challenges of regulating digital platforms amid complex political landscapes but also serves as a litmus test for the enforcement capabilities of the DSA amid growing calls for accountability. With elections approaching, the stakes have never been higher for Musk, Weidel, and the broader European political sphere.