Unprepared Twitter among tech firms to face tough new EU digital rules

Under the new European Union regulatory regime for monitoring digital platforms, Twitter, along with other major tech firms, will face stringent scrutiny. The EU's Digital Services Act designates Twitter as a "very large online platform" (VLOP), requiring compliance with various measures, including publishing an independent audit of its adherence to the legislation.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022, has been warned multiple times that the platform is not adequately prepared for the new rules. Breaches could result in fines up to 6% of global turnover and, in extreme cases, temporary suspension of the service. Concerns have arisen due to Twitter's significant reduction in its workforce, raising fears about moderation standards and its ability to comply with the act.

EU's commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, has urged Musk and Twitter to enhance their efforts to comply with the DSA, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and accurate information.

For large platforms like Twitter, annual risk assessments outlining potential harmful content risks, such as disinformation and election manipulation, are required. The platforms must implement moderation systems to mitigate these risks, and the EU will verify their effectiveness.

Additionally, the big platforms are obliged to publish an independent audit of DSA compliance, disclose the number of content moderation employees, provide details of their algorithms, and allow independent researchers to monitor compliance. Child user profiling for targeted ads is prohibited, and platforms accessible by minors must protect their privacy and safety. Users should have easy access to reporting illegal content.

The European Commission confirmed Twitter's designation as a VLOP, and similarly strict regulations apply to Google and Microsoft's Bing as "very large search engines." Companies must have at least 45 million monthly active users in the EU to be designated as VLOPs or VLSEs (Very Large Search Engines).

The companies categorized under special status have four months to comply with the act's obligations, including the first annual risk assessment, which presents a challenge for all concerned parties, not just Twitter.