Elon Musk’s growing involvement in European politics has ignited fresh concerns among EU leaders, particularly as his alliance with Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg appears to pose a direct challenge to the bloc’s regulatory framework.
This powerful trio has been accused of targeting Europe’s stringent digital laws, exploiting their influence to disrupt democratic norms and advance their personal and political interests.
A Collision of Agendas
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has emerged as a disruptive force in Europe, wielding his platform to amplify far-right populist movements and attack centrist governments. Joining forces with Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and Donald Trump, now in his second term as US president, Musk is accused of using his position to undermine the EU’s digital policies and democratic principles.
Mark Zuckerberg recently echoed Trump’s rhetoric, criticising the EU’s digital regulations and pledging to resist what he termed “institutional censorship.” His decision to abandon fact-checking programmes on Facebook and Instagram in favour of voluntary community systems has raised alarm, as it signals a weakening of safeguards against disinformation.
Musk, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a provocateur, using X to attack European leaders and endorse nationalist parties, such as Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Britain’s Reform UK. Analysts argue that this alignment of interests between Musk, Zuckerberg, and Trump forms a potentially dangerous nexus of political influence and unchecked technological power.
EU Digital Defences Under Siege
The European Union has long been a global leader in digital regulation, introducing landmark laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, followed by the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). These measures aim to hold tech companies accountable for data privacy, combat hate speech and disinformation, and promote fair competition.
However, this regulatory framework has placed the EU in direct conflict with Big Tech. Meta has faced billions in fines, including a record €1.2 billion penalty in 2023 for transferring EU user data to the United States in violation of GDPR rules. Musk’s X is also under investigation for potential violations, including its paid “blue checkmark” verification system, which some argue misleads users.
The Trump administration, now closely allied with Musk and Zuckerberg, has signalled its intent to challenge these rules. Trump has vowed to protect American tech companies from what he calls EU overreach, while Musk and Zuckerberg appear poised to exploit their platforms to rally public and political support against European regulations.
Political Meddling and Disinformation
Musk’s interventions in European politics have already raised serious concerns. In the United Kingdom, he has targeted Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of complicity in failing to prosecute child grooming cases during his tenure as chief prosecutor—claims that lack factual basis. Musk’s comments have fuelled political polarisation and prompted calls for greater scrutiny of his influence.
In Germany, Musk has thrown his weight behind the far-right AfD, hosting exclusive livestreams with its leaders and declaring the party as the “only hope” for the country. With snap elections approaching, Musk’s support for the AfD has alarmed policymakers and raised questions about the role of social media in shaping electoral outcomes.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently criticised such interference, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a tech mogul intervening directly in European elections. “Ten years ago, who would have imagined that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would be supporting a new international reactionary movement?” Macron remarked.
Weaponised Data
Beyond political meddling, experts warn that Musk and Zuckerberg’s platforms could weaponise user data to advance their own agendas. By harvesting vast amounts of data, these tech leaders could manipulate public opinion, shape political narratives, and undermine democratic processes.
Frans Imbert-Vier, CEO of the Swiss cybersecurity firm UBCOM, has cautioned that this trio may prioritise their own interests over compliance with EU regulations. “They will ignore rules that don’t originate in the United States,” he said, predicting that American courts may refuse to enforce European injunctions.
Imbert-Vier added that Musk’s political ambitions for Europe could be realised through the misuse of data, warning that citizens risk becoming “submissive, consumer sheep for hire.”
EU’s Response
The EU faces a daunting challenge in countering the influence of Musk, Zuckerberg, and Trump. While the bloc has robust regulatory tools, enforcing these measures against tech giants with deep political connections will require coordinated action and strategic diplomacy.
European leaders have already voiced their determination to defend the bloc’s democratic values. Italian lawmaker Brando Benifei, a co-author of the EU’s artificial intelligence rulebook, warned that Musk and his allies aim to dismantle regulations that promote accountability and transparency. “They simply want power and money to buy information and influence,” Benifei said, emphasising the need for the EU to stand its ground.
However, there are signs of wavering resolve. Recent reports suggest that the European Commission may reassess its investigations into US tech companies, potentially scaling back its enforcement efforts in the face of political pressure from the Trump administration.
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