Twitter dissolves its entire Brussels office, sparking EU concern over online content controls

Twitter has dismantled its entire Brussels office, prompting concern from EU officials who question whether the platform will meet tough new European Union rules to control online content.

Julia Mozer and Dario La Nasa, who were in charge of Twitter’s digital policy in Europe, left the company last week, according to five people with knowledge of the departures.

They had led the company’s efforts to comply with the EU’s Disinformation Code and the Digital Services Act, which came into force last week, which sets new rules on how big companies must ensure online user safety.

Other Twitter executives in the small but vital Brussels office, considered a crucial channel for European decision-makers, had left the company earlier this month during staff cuts that saw the elimination of half of its 7 500 employees.

Mozer and NASA survived the initial downsizing, but have not worked at the company since new owner Elon Musk issued an ultimatum last week for staff to commit to a “culture of hardcore work”. It is unclear whether the two men resigned or were fired.

Musk and NASA declined to comment. Twitter did not respond to requests for comment.

The departures from Brussels are symptomatic of a global trend, from India to France, where local Twitter executives who held key positions dealing with government officials have abruptly left the organization in recent weeks amid general reductions.

This situation has led to growing concern about whether the company has the staff necessary to ensure compliance with local laws intended to control online content, which could expose the company to legal action and penalties. regulatory measures.

“I am concerned by the news of the dismissal of such a large amount of Twitter staff in Europe,” Věra Jourová, EU vice-president in charge of the disinformation code, told the Financial Times. “If you want to detect and take effective action against disinformation and propaganda, it takes resources.

“Especially in the context of the Russian disinformation war, I expect Twitter to fully comply with European law and honor its commitments. Twitter has been a very helpful partner in the fight against misinformation and illegal hate speech and that must not change.”

FinancialTimes