A former EU commissioner has accused Elon Musk of “lying like hell” regarding claims that the European Union attempted to prevent his online discussions with controversial political figures, including Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Thierry Breton, who stepped down as a European commissioner in September after leading efforts to regulate big tech, strongly criticized Musk's assertions during an interview with The Guardian.

Elon Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter), alleged that the EU tried to stop him from conducting an online conversation with former President Donald Trump and now aims to silence his conversation with Weidel. He stated, “These guys really hate democracy,” referring to the EU's regulatory framework, specifically the Digital Services Act (DSA), which he claimed threatened free speech.

In response, Breton clarified that his communications were not censorship attempts but reminders of legal obligations under the DSA. “Nobody tried to stop him. We are twisting information [here]," he asserted, also stating, “He is lying like hell. Nobody is trying to stop him having a conversation in Germany.”

Breton has consistently maintained that the DSA upholds free speech while enforcing legal boundaries against antisemitic, racist, and hateful content in both physical and digital spaces. He remarked, “In Europe, freedom of speech is paramount, but it operates within a framework of laws.” This statement underscores the EU's commitment to fostering a responsible digital environment.

The relationship between Musk and Breton has been notably contentious, with Musk previously labeling Breton as “annoying” and ridiculing him online. Their public exchanges have drawn criticism, not only regarding Musk's remarks but also over his confrontational approach towards other European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Currently, X is undergoing investigation by the European Commission for potential violations of the DSA. While Musk's platform claims to be cooperating with the regulatory process, insiders suggest that findings from the investigation may be published soon.

Breton refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation but reiterated the importance of Europe’s digital regulations in balancing freedom of expression with the prevention of harmful content. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for accountability among tech companies.

For more information, visit the original articles on The Guardian and India Times.