Berlin believes that Twitter should be under the direct control of the European Commission, like other technology companies, because its offensive behavior under new owner Elon Musk poses a threat to freedom of speech.

Sven Gigold, German Deputy Economics Minister responsible for competition policy, referred in particular to the recent suspension of journalists’ accounts and the imposition of restrictions on access to certain links.

In a letter to two European commissioners, Giegold urged the European Union to launch an investigation, saying the Commission should take action to prevent Twitter’s anti-competitive behavior.

Neither Twitter nor the European Union responded to requests for comment.

Free competition under threat

“General conditions and rules that change every hour, otherworldly justifications for extensive restrictions on links and blocking of journalists threaten free competition and pose a danger to freedom of expression, information and the press,” a German government official wrote in his letter. He posted the letter on Twitter.

Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that he will step down as CEO of Twitter (when he finds a replacement).

The entrepreneur’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in October was marred by chaos and controversy. December’s privacy policy changes and the suspension and then reinstatement of journalists’ accounts sparked condemnation of the measures by journalism organisations, organizations and officials across Europe.

Worry

Chancellor Olaf Soltz’s government said it was following developments on Twitter with growing concern.

German regulators are calling on public institutions to stop posting ads exclusively on private social media platforms and are proposing alternatives such as the decentralized social network Mastodon.

Under the new European rules for the digital market, the European Commission will commit itself to keeping an eye on big platforms such as Facebook and Google, says Sven Giegold.

“However, Twitter has not yet been characterized as a dominant digital platform, and therefore the company’s sales are still very low,” he says. “However, Twitter is very influential in shaping public opinion around the world and in Europe.”

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.