It looks like the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, has put himself in hot water again. This time, Germany is warning the tech mogul to observe their law regarding the spread of misinformation on platforms such as Twitter.
On Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, Germany, expressed its concern over Musk’s tweets about the coronavirus pandemic that could be seen by many as misinforming people. The ministry also strongly advised Musk to respect the EU-wide law against fake news.
Responding to the warning from the Federal Ministry, Musk tweeted sarcastically: “Nazi Germany?” This tweet enraged German officials further, with some accusing the Tesla CEO of making jokes about one of the most serious periods in their history.
The warning from Germany highlights the seriousness of the law against fake news, which aims to protect citizens from deceitful or theory-based information.
The EU-wide law that Germany is referring to was established in 2018 and outlines five types of misinformation: counterfeit products, cyber bullying, fake reviews, disinformation, and manipulated media. Any company found to be in breach of the law and failing to adhere to the legislation can face up to €5 million in fines.
Musk’s recent tweets aren’t only raising the hackles of German officials. He has previously been called out for his tweets about coronavirus remedies and the vaccine. In particular, his tweet which said that “the coronavirus panic is dumb” sparked outrage on social media, with many criticising him for his callous attitude towards the pandemic.
The latest warning from Germany is yet another reminder that, on social media, everybody must be accountable for what they post. So regardless of whether you’re a tech mogul with millions of followers or just a regular person, it’s essential to be mindful about what you’re sharing, to ensure that it’s accurate and not misleading.
For Musk, the latest warning from Germany serves as a reminder that words have power, and careless tweets can have consequences.
