EU to Discuss Tech Regulation with US Companies Before German Election

EU to Conduct Misinformation 'Stress Test' for Tech Companies

The European Union is preparing to evaluate the preparedness of technology and social media platforms in addressing the spread of misinformation. This assessment will occur prior to Germany’s upcoming national election next month.

Upcoming Meeting with Tech Leaders

Officials from the European Commission have extended invitations to key tech companies, including X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn, for a meeting scheduled on January 31st. Multiple news sources confirm this development.

During the session, Commission representatives will pose hypothetical scenarios to these companies. These scenarios will explore their responses to potential election interference, encompassing AI-fabricated content and coordinated disinformation efforts, as reported by Bloomberg.

Requests for comment have been directed to all involved companies. Updates will be provided as responses are received.

Digital Services Act Compliance

This “stress test” is designed to determine whether tech companies are adhering to the requirements of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA mandates that platforms implement robust safeguards and protocols to counter misinformation and unlawful content.

Timing and Significance

The evaluation precedes Germany’s federal election in February. The outcome of this election carries substantial weight for the entire EU, given Germany’s position as the bloc’s largest member state.

Recent Interference Concerns

The EU’s heightened scrutiny follows the annulment of the first round of Romania’s presidential election last year. Evidence suggested Russian interference, potentially amplified by TikTok’s algorithmic functions.

Furthermore, Romania documented approximately 85,000 attempted cyberattacks targeting election websites and IT infrastructure.

X and the German Election

Elon Musk and his platform, X, have already become a factor in the German election cycle. Musk recently conducted an interview with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party and a candidate in the upcoming election, directly on X.

Trump's Criticism of EU Regulation

This news emerges shortly after former President Donald Trump voiced criticism regarding EU regulation of U.S. tech companies. His comments targeted Google, Meta, and Apple, with two of these companies being invited to the aforementioned stress test.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump characterized the EU’s regulatory approach as “a form of taxation” on U.S.-based technology firms.