In a recent update, it is clear that Twitter is exiting the EU’s voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation. This information was made public by Thierry Breton, the bloc’s internal market commissioner. He took to his Twitter account to share this information regarding Twitter’s stance on misinformation with netizens.
Back in 2018, Twitter signed onto the voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation. This Code of Practice aims to protect users of online platforms from disinformation. Asides from Twitter, other big tech firms also joined in on this practice in the fight to keep users away from statements and propaganda that aren’t true.
Other companies like Google, Meta (comprising Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), and TikTok also joined this practice. These companies are all solid sources of information for millions of people around the world. If not put under check, they can effectively promote misinformation, spreading it fast like wildfire. So why would Twitter exit a Code of Practice that aims to protect users of its platform?
Are there any reasons behind Twitter’s exit from the EU’s voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation
At the moment, there is no clear reason as to why Twitter is exiting the voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation. Sources have not been able to reach out to Twitter for comment due to the lack of a communication department. Thierry Breton also fails to give a reason for the exit, but he passes a strong message across to Twitter.
In his tweet, Thierry Breton makes it clear that Twitter can run, but it can’t hide. He points out that their obligations within the EU’s regions remain whether they are part of the voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation. But how is that possible if Twitter is no longer part of the Code of Practice to fight disinformation?
Twitter might have exited the Code of Practice but come August 25 they will be legally bound by this body’s requirements. Over the past few years, all companies under this body have been there voluntarily. But things are changing and the EU’s Code of Practice is becoming legally binding for members and non-members alike. As long as the company can be a portal for information transmission among EU citizens, it’d need to operate under the Code of Practice.
So technically, Twitter can run, but it can’t hide from fulfilling its obligations to the EU and its citizens. Some analysts claim that Twitter’s withdrawal from the Code of Practice is in a bid to boycott the bloc’s content moderation. This might also be in light of Elon Musk’s promise of free speech to tweeps just before he took control of the platform.