Habeck accused Musk and other American technology giants of pushing a hypocritical vision of “freedom of expression” while keeping their commercial models and their algorithms as well kept and the “state secrets”.
“They must be regulated,” said Habeck. “If necessary, regulated in a way that aligns with our values.”
But Habeck said European regulations were not up to par.
“Why don’t we have our own German or European communication platform?” He asked. “We cannot depend on Chinese algorithms or Elon Musk’s far -right fantasies when it comes to shaping our democracy.”
Habeck called for Europe to regain control of its digital space, not only in social media, but in all the industries in which “technological leadership has left the continent”. He warned that measures should be taken over the next two years.
Habeck’s remarks echo a growing discomfort in Brussels on the power of Big Tech. The MEP Green Sergey Lagodinsky proposed an even more radical approach: that the EU buys existing platforms instead of trying to build its own. In a political memo, Lagodinsky argued that Europe must act decisively, potentially acquiring European operations in Tiktok or other platforms to free itself from foreign control.
“The democratic and geopolitical risks of social media controlled abroad are too large,” wrote Lagodinsky. “If we want real digital sovereignty, we must regulate, invest and acquire.”
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