The European Union has disclosed that Twitter has withdrawn from the EU’s voluntary guideline to combat disinformation.
The EU chief, Thierry Breton, announced the announcement on Twitter but warned that the harsh new legislation will demand compliance.
“Obligations continue. “You can run but not hide,” he explained.
From August 25, Twitter will be legally compelled to combat disinformation in the EU, he said, adding, “Our teams will be ready for enforcement.”
Several large and small tech companies have signed up to the EU’s misinformation code, including Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, Google, Microsoft, and Twitch.
The code was released in June of last year with the goal of preventing profiteering from disinformation and fake news, as well as enhancing transparency and limiting the growth of bots and bogus accounts.
Companies who sign the code can choose whatever pledges they want to make, such as working with fact-checkers or tracking political advertising.
Moderation at Twitter has reportedly been considerably lowered under Elon Musk’s ownership, allowing for a rise in the propagation of disinformation, according to critics.
Mr Musk, the CEO of Twitter, argues there is now “less misinformation rather than more” since he took control in October.
Along with the voluntary agreement, the EU has enacted the Digital Services Act, which requires businesses to do more to combat illicit online content.
From August 25, platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU, including Twitter, will be required to comply legally with the DSA requirements.
According to the law, Twitter must establish a method for users to flag illegal content, respond to notifications “immediately,” and implement measures to combat the spread of misinformation.