Tech billionaire Elon Musk has made disparaging comments about the German federal government several times in recent weeks. A conversation with AfD leader Alice Weidel scheduled for Thursday evening on Musk’s short-message platform X is already causing a stir before it is broadcast. The Bundestag is now investigating possible influence on the German election campaign.
There is also reportedly a suspicion of secret campaign donations. The interview will likely be distributed much more widely on X than posts from other users. “In this respect, one can certainly speak of political advertising here, because platform X normally sells such reach for a lot of money,” the Bundestag government said. Weidel’s spokesperson rejected this. The event is a legitimate “uncoordinated and open conversation.”
Algorithms can become a problem
From an expert perspective, the interview does not fundamentally violate the European Digital Services Act (DSA), which internet platforms must comply with, but it could become a problem if Musk uses his platform “to give certain political voices greater visibility.” For example, by changing the algorithm that displays content to users,” emphasizes Jan Penfrat, expert in the regulation of online platforms at the European Digital Rights Association (EDRi).
Weidel and Musk talk about the current political situation
In addition, illegal statements, such as trivializing the Holocaust, must be immediately removed. The conversation between the right-wing populist and the Tesla founder will take place on ‘Spaces’, a virtual discussion room at X. It will discuss the current political situation in view of the federal elections on February 23.
Billionaire Musk has been rallying support for the AfD, which is sometimes classified as right-wing extremist, and other right-wing groups in Europe for some time. He had previously supported the election campaign of future US president Donald Trump with millions. In the future US administration he will fulfill the role of a close external advisor.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
