Ahead of the new US administration’s close ties to major tech companies, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) warns against abandoning EU control mechanisms for social networks. “The next federal government must acknowledge that we in Europe cannot accept a political Wild West, where the strong impose their will on large platforms” Schweitzer told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”.
He emphasized that this would be the end of the rule of law and an open, free society. The EU’s Digital Service Act, which enables the regulation of illegal and false content on platforms, must be maintained. Schweitzer stressed the need to resist any pressure from the US, saying, “Who offers content to European citizens through their digital platforms must adhere to European law. There is no room for negotiation.”
The CEO of the messaging service X, Elon Musk, is part of the new US administration, with several other leaders of major tech companies in attendance at Trump’s inauguration.
Schweitzer also urges massive European investments in artificial intelligence (AI). “Europe urgently needs a powerful AI strategy” he said. “This requires public and private resources, investment incentives and a legal framework. If we do not take these steps, we will fall even deeper into dependence than we are currently.” AI, he added, is a “growth program for Europe.” Trump has recently announced massive investments in AI.