Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and owner of the social media platform X, is stirring concerns across Europe due to his increasing political entanglements. His planned interview with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right party AfD, has sparked debates about his influence on European politics, particularly as Germany approaches snap elections. Musk's open support for the AfD and similar parties like Reform UK indicates his willingness to influence political landscapes.
Musk's activities have drawn attention from the European Union, especially regarding compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). His platform X is under scrutiny for possibly spreading misinformation and failing to adhere to content moderation standards. Despite not being classified as a gatekeeper under European digital market regulations, X is still required to prevent illegal content and disinformation.
Musk's political maneuvers extend beyond social media. His ties to former President Donald Trump, and discussions with various European leaders, highlight his strategic interests. These include securing contracts, such as the one with Italy for Starlink communications, and advocating for less regulation and lower taxes to benefit his business ventures.
EU officials are closely watching Musk's actions, with some lawmakers calling for debates on his potential "network abuse." As Musk continues to intertwine his business ambitions with political engagements, the EU faces the challenge of balancing technological advancements with ensuring electoral integrity and legal compliance. Musk's actions underscore the complexities of managing influential tech figures within the regulatory frameworks of democratic societies.
