Die SPD fürchtet, dass Twitter in Europa seinen Pflichten nicht nachkommen könnte – und fordert Behörden und Justizminister zum Handeln auf. Unterdessen hat Ex-Twitter-Chef Dorsey Fehler eingeräumt.
www.spiegel.de
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SPD members of parliament see the controversial takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk as a threat to freedom of expression - and are calling for consequences. "The fact that Twitter is now being taken over by someone who wants to use the network much more politically again, I think is highly problematic," party leader Lars Klingbeil told the "Handelsblatt ". "Should the diversity of opinion continue to be attacked, the authorities must take consistent action."
SPD digital politician Jens Zimmermann is also "extremely critical" of the current development. With a workforce cut in half, Twitter will not be able to meet the legal requirements for moderating content and dealing with complaints in Europe, Zimmermann told Handelsblatt. The Federal Office of Justice must "take Twitter under tighter supervision and act quickly and decisively in the event of violations," he added.
Entrepreneur Musk is heavily criticized after his takeover of Twitter last week : By mail, half of all employees were laid off, and a blue checkmark for verification is to cost eight dollars a month in the future. Most recently, well-known companies such as Volkswagen and Pfizer had announced their intention to suspend advertising on Twitter. The companies worry that their ads could show up alongside negative content. Musk then threatened to expose these companies.
The background to the companies' concern is that Musk saw freedom of expression on the platform restricted before the takeover. Critics fear that in the future, agitation and conspiracy narratives will be given more space on Twitter.
Zimmermann calls for "decisive action" from Justice Minister Bushman
SPD digital politician Zimmermann said he also expects "decisive action" from Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP). In Germany, the Federal Office of Justice is responsible for complaints about problematic content on social networks and can also impose fines on platform operators if necessary.
Zimmermann said, "If Twitter does not comply with the requirements, there is a threat of penalties not only against the company, but also against responsible managers." Whether a manager responsible for Germany would be willing to be personally liable for several million euros is likely to fuel discussions within the company.
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