At the Peace Forum in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron accused social platforms like TikTok and X of breaking information neutrality. He described these networks as places where one can no longer properly inform oneself. Macron calls for stronger regulation in Europe to combat disinformation.
On Wednesday, October 29, at the Peace Forum in Paris, Emmanuel Macron spoke at the international conference on information integrity and independent media. The President of the Republic sharply criticized social platforms, including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), accusing them of 'breaking information neutrality.' 'These are no longer places where one can inform oneself,' he stated, pointing to a 'process of democratic degeneration.'
In his address on disinformation and foreign interference, Macron blamed Elon Musk, owner of X, describing him as 'engaged in the democratic struggle and the reactionary international.' To counter these challenges, he advocated for a 'much more powerful agenda of protection and regulation in Europe' to better oversee social networks. This intervention reflects broader concerns about the impact of algorithms and manipulated content on democracy.
The Peace Forum, an annual event in Paris, brings together global leaders to discuss geopolitical and societal issues. Macron's remarks highlight France's perceived urgency in digital regulation, aligned with European initiatives like the Digital Services Act.