As Musk plans how to change Twitter, EU reminds him: 'We have rules'

Elon Musk can adapt Twitter (TWTR.N) as he pleases after he acquires it. However, the EU's internal market chief stated that he warned the billionaire that there are strict rules that online platforms must follow to combat illegal content.

"It will be up Twitter to adapt themselves... our rules," Thierry Breton said to Reuters and another media outlet about the deal that was announced Monday by Tesla's (TSLA.O). chief executive to purchase Twitter for $44Billion.

"I believe Elon Musk is very familiar with Europe. He is well aware that there are rules that govern the automotive industry... Any company in Europe will be required to comply with this obligation in order to preserve freedom of speech and protect individuals.

Musk, the world's wealthiest person, has called himself a freedom-of-expression absolutist and criticised Twitter's moderation. The platform is used by millions of people and leaders around the globe.

Breton stated that the EU has rules that prohibit content offline from being prohibited online.

A Digital Services Act (DSA), which was approved by 27 EU member states and legislators last week, will see Alphabet,Google, Meta (FB.O. ) , and other large online platforms face heavy fines if they fail to control illegal content.

Breton stated that platforms with more than 45 millions users would need more moderators than smaller ones. They would also have to include moderators in all European languages and open their algorithms up to regulators.

The DSA allows big tech companies to be fined up to 6% of their global revenues for breaking the rules. Repeated violations could result in them being banned from doing business within the EU.

New rules prohibit advertising targeting children or based upon religion, gender, and/or political opinions.

Critics fear that Musk's purchase of Twitter will lead to less moderation and reinstatement of some banned individuals, such as former President Donald Trump.

Breton stated that he did not intend to interfere in the Trump question, as such matters are now regulated in Europe, and company boards will not have any say.

He said, "Remember that the information space doesn't belong to any private companies." The information space is our responsibility as politicians. Our digital space, like territorial space...airspace, is our responsibility to organize.

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