Ads on Musk-owned social media site risk causing ‘reputational damage’ to the EU, its executive says in internal note.

The European Commission has decided to stop advertising on social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, over “widespread concerns relating to the spread of disinformation,” according to an internal note obtained by POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook.

In a note sent to all heads of service and directors general, the Commission’s Deputy Chief Spokesperson Dana Spinant said disinformation on X, especially in relation to the Israel-Hamas war, had led the institution to “recommend to temporarily suspend advertising on this platform until further notice to avoid risks of reputational damage to the Commission.”

X has been under growing scrutiny in Europe as a result of the bloc’s new content moderation law, the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission, which enforces the law, in October sent a formal request for information to the company to explain how its handling of illegal content and disinformation connected to Hamas’ October 7 attack complies with the DSA.

  • Flying SquidMEnglish
    19•1 year ago

    “Temporarily suspend.”

    Of course. Just like Apple and IBM. Wait for the furor to die down and then go back to giving money to the Nazi.

    • @tsuicaEnglish
      17•1 year ago

      “Temporarily suspend” in corpo speak is “we’ll consider coming back if you change the current leadership”.

      They’re sending a message that they’re willing to work with the company if it (re)stabilizes.