UN, EU slam Elon Musk's Twitter over suspension of accounts

Updated : Dec 19, 2022 10:25
|
AFP

Following suspension of more than half-dozen accounts of journalists covering Twitter and Elon Musk, UN chief Antonio Guterres declared himself "very disturbed" by Musk's suspension of journalists from Twitter, calling it a "dangerous precedent."

"Media voices should not be silenced on a platform that professes to be a space for freedom of speech," said Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

He warned the "arbitrary" move "sets a dangerous precedent at a time when journalists all over the world are facing censorship, physical threats and even even worse."

Meanwhile, the EU on Friday warned Elon Musk that Twitter could be subject to sanctions under a future media law after the "worrying" suspension of several journalists from the messaging platform.

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"News about arbitrary suspension of journalists on Twitter is worrying. EU's Digital Services Act requires respect of media freedom and fundamental rights. This is reinforced under our Media Freedom Act," EU commissioner Vera Jourova posted on Twitter.

"Elon Musk should be aware of that. There are red lines. And sanctions, soon."

Jourova's warning came backed by two pieces of EU legislation, one of them not yet adopted.

UNEU TeamElon Musk

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