Elon's Next Millionaire-Making Project?

This could create more wealth than all of his previous ventures... combined.

Spain's leader wants the EU to 'make social media great again.' Here's how

JOSEPH WILSON and JAMEY KEATEN
January 23, 2025

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is launching a crusade against what he sees as the downsides of social media.

The Socialist leader wants the European Union, which already leads the world in internet regulation, to put additional checks on Elon Musk's X, trendsetting video app TikTok, and Meta's Facebook and Instagram for having, in his words, put participatory democracy and the mental health of users at risk.

"I believe social media are now a common resource for humanity, like the oceans, and they should be protected and managed accordingly," Sánchez said.

While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the prime minister on Wednesday laid out his vision for how the EU might "make social media great again." Here is what you need to know about his three-point plan:

Step 1: End user anonymity

Sánchez he would propose legislation aimed at ending anonymity for social media users when the EU's leaders meet in Brussels on March 20-21.

His idea is for each username to be a pseudonym that must be registered under a real identity with European authorities, using a "European digital identity wallet."

"This way citizens could use nicknames if they want, but in the case of a crime, public authorities would be able to connect those nicknames to real people and hold them responsible," he said.

Sánchez argued that "no one can send packages without showing an I.D. or buy a hunting weapon without giving their name, and yet we are allowing people to roam freely on social networks without linking their profiles to a real identity. This paves the way for misinformation, hate speech and cyber harassment because it is facilitating the use of bots and it is allowing people to act without being held accountable for their actions."

The proposal, however, clashes with longstanding demands of digital rights groups, which say that protection of online anonymity is important to protect freedom of speech and removing it could have a chilling effect. Such groups say anonymity is a cornerstone of online communications and a critical tool to challenge authority and express controversial opinions.

Step 2: More transparency for algorithms

Sánchez will urge European officials to apply the 27-nation bloc's Digital Services Act to "force open the black box of social media algorithms." The EU adopted the law in 2023 with the stated goal of keeping internet users safe online.

The Spanish leader says the EU also needs to reinforce the European Centre for Algorithm Transparency so it can "inspect the functioning of social networks without any limitations."

Tech companies might resist attempts by authorities to peek under their programming hoods, citing a desire to protect their intellectual property. But authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have made moves to investigate algorithms.

EU officials said last week that they ordered X to turn over more information as part of a Digital Services Act investigation into the social media platform, including on the algorithms used by its recommendationr system. Meanwhile, Missouri's attorney-general unveiled plans for new rules on algorithm transparency, including giving internet users a choice of the algorithms their social media platforms use.

Step 3: Hold tech CEOs responsible

The third plank of Sánchez's plan is for the EU to go right up to the top of the social media companies for any social ills produced by their platforms.

Sánchez said he recommends that "social media CEOs (be) held personally accountable for non-compliance with laws and norms in their platforms," describing such accountability as no different than what most business owners have for their products.

Britain has taken a similar step. Under online safety rules, senior managers at tech companies face criminal liability in certain situations, mainly for the relatively minor issue of failing to respond properly to information requests.

Why is Sánchez taking aim at social media?

Spain has joined governments around the world that are concerned with the impact of social media on children and teenagers. Spain has limited the use of mobile phones in schools, while Sánchez has decried what he calls an epidemic of online pornography that increasingly is reaching young children.

At Davos, the prime minister challenged the involvement of social media platform owners like Musk in politics. After helping to bankroll Donald Trump's candidacy to reclaim the U.S. presidency, the world's richest man has ventured into European politics.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO and the founder of Facebook, also has sought Trump's approval. Meta has rolled back its content moderation, a move that critics say will let misinformation and online abuse spread unchecked.

"(The) owners of the big social media consoles, a small group of techno billionaires ... are no longer satisfied with holding nearly total economic power," Sánchez said. "Now they also want political power in a way that is undermining our democratic institutions."

Sanchez's office said Thursday that it did not have details to share beyond the ones he outlined a day earlier.

Argentine President Javier Milei, who also was attending the Davos meeting and on Thursday gave a speech railing against what he described as the evils of "woke" progressive policies, panned Sánchez's proposal.

"I am not surprised that a Socialist like Sánchez wants to silence those who think differently," Milei told reporters after his speech.

___

Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. AP Technology Writer Kelvin Chan contributed from London.

Continue Reading...

Popular

What to know about Trump's buyout proposal for federal employees

President Donald Trump's administration is offering to federal employees to quickly reduce the government workforce. They don't have a long time to decide: The deadline is Feb. 6.

Nvidia faces a reckoning as an upstart rival raises questions about Wall Street's darling

NEW YORK (AP) — The superstar run for Nvidia’s stock the last few years has been astonishing. So was its tumble Monday, which caused $595 billion in wealth to vanish. That’s about as much as PepsiCo, McDonalds, Starbucks and Target are worth, combined.

Musk and Trump Bullish on New Tech Beyond AI - Ad

Elon Musk is heavily invested in a cutting-edge new technology. In fact, Musk has turned the new president on to this breakthrough. And President Trump could make an announcement any day that could spike the price of stocks in this sector.

Dubai's ceaseless boom is putting strains on its residents

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — — and some residents are starting to feel burned.

Critical Metals: The Linchpin of the Energy Transition - Ad

As EVs and AI take center stage, critical metals like copper, nickel, and PGMs are becoming the linchpin of clean energy and technological advances. One Canadian company's high-grade polymetallic discovery in Quebec is drawing comparisons to Russia's Norilsk Mine--one of the richest deposits globally. Backed by industry titans, this story is just beginning.

Edmunds' hybrid SUV test: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Hybrids are hot right now, and you have lots of choices if you’re considering a hybrid SUV. For years, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been the go-to model for hybrid SUV shoppers.

NASA's 2 stuck astronauts take their first spacewalk together

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s took their first spacewalk together Thursday, exiting the International Space Station almost eight months after moving in.

Crypto Stocks Are Heating Up - Ad

At the center of this transformation is a game-changing platform that's experiencing explosive growth with $41 million in revenue in just nine months. The stock has doubled in the last 45 days, but this is only the beginning.

Asset allocation when you have enough

I recently chatted with a retired couple who were looking for a second opinion about their portfolio’s . The key question: Is 65% in stocks too high for someone in their situation? Here, I’ll walk through some ideas about how to think through these issues.

Senate confirms Zeldin to lead Environmental Protection Agency as Trump vows to cut climate rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a key role to help President Donald Trump fulfill his pledge to roll back major environmental regulations, including those aimed at slowing climate change and encouraging use of electric vehicles.

Trump Could Make Surprising Tech Announcement Any Day - Ad

Elon Musk is heavily invested in a cutting-edge new technology. In fact, Musk has turned the new president on to this breakthrough. And President Trump could make an announcement any day that could spike the price of stocks in this sector.

Magnificent 7 Earnings Ahead: 3 ETFs To Ride The Wave

Earnings season in full swing, attention on tech giants known as Magnificent 7: 3 ETFs to consider.

Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, IBM, Nvidia: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, TSLA, META, MSFT, IBM, NVDA were among the stocks that dominated investor attention on the day Federal Reserve chose to keep the interest rates steady.

Crypto Stocks Surge Amid Market Boom - Ad

Crypto stocks are on fire as Bitcoin hits all-time highs. One under-the-radar company is leading the charge, managing $2.1 billion in client assets and seeing record trading volumes. With crypto adoption skyrocketing, this could be a game-changing opportunity.

Bill Ackman Questions Whether DeepSeek AI's Hedge Fund Affiliate Profited From Nvidia's Sell-Off: 'A Fortune Could Have Been Made'

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman questioned whether DeepSeek's hedge fund affiliate potentially profited from Monday's tech stock rout, which saw Nvidia Corp. shares plunge 17% following the Chinese artificial intelligence startup's emergence as a potential disruptor.

Stryker's Strategic Moves Impress Analysts, Spine Implant Sale and NARI Deal Set to Drive Future Growth

Wall Street analysts upgraded Stryker Corp (NYSE: SYK) after its Q4 report beat expectations, with strong sales and earnings growth projected for 2025.

The DOGE Agenda (Nine Stocks to Buy) - Ad

One Boston based think tank – who has studied Elon's work for decades – is stepping forward to share what they've found. They believe his TRUE plan is far more radical than anyone realizes. It could change the way you live, work, get paid...AND could make more people rich than all of Elon's previous ventures.

3 coup-hit West African nations formally leave ECOWAS in an unprecedented disintegration

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, the body said Wednesday, the culmination of a yearlong process during which the group tried to avert its unprecedented disintegration.

Chubb CEO Expects $1.5 Billion Loss From LA Wildfires: 'California Is A Difficult Market For Insurance Companies'

Chubb held its fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday and addressed the future financial impacts resulting from the recent California wildfires. 

Struggling to Get By? This Could Be a Godsend - Ad

If you knew with 90% certainty, Amazon was about to tack on 22.5% to its share price... AND you also knew exactly when that climb would start and end... how much money do you think you'd be able to rake in? $1,000... $5,000... $25,000... Maybe even more? If you'll give me 5 minutes... I'd like to help you answer that question.

Trump White House Puts DeepSeek Under National Security Scanner: 'Wake-Up Call To The American AI Industry'

The White House is reviewing China's DeepSeek AI for potential national security risks, amid growing concerns over intellectual property theft and its impact on U.S. AI dominance.

Live Demo: New Tech to Surpass AI? - Ad

I want to show you a free demonstration. Of one of the most incredible technologies you've ever seen. You'll be getting a peek at the cutting edge... A decade from now, you'll remember where you were when you saw this video.

Gary Black Calls Tesla's Austin Robotaxi Launch By June 'Most Bullish' Takeaway, But Wants Answers On Auto Margins And Next-Gen EV

Tesla Inc. bull Gary Black highlighted the company's planned autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin as a significant development while expressing concerns about automotive margins and the forthcoming affordable electric vehicle's design.

AI ETFs In Focus As Alibaba Challenges DeepSeek With New Model

AI arms race fueled by DeepSeek and Alibaba's AI models. Investors can profit from trend with AI-focused ETFs, including AIQ, ARKQ, QQQ.

Is This Defi Coin Your Next "10-Bagger" Investment? - Ad

Our #1 pick in decentralized finance is largely overlooked by mainstream investors (for now). This governance token could skyrocket as DeFi adoption surges with the smart money and institutions.

US cyber agency's future role in elections remains murky under the Trump administration

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s cybersecurity agency has played in helping states shore up the defenses of their voting systems, but its election mission appears uncertain amid sustained criticism from Republicans and key figures in the Trump administration.

Shiba Inu's Shytoshi Kusama Teases 'Extremely Powerful Partnership' -- Coin Themed On Him Rallies 25%

Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) lead ambassador Shytoshi Kusama hinted at a major partnership announcement for the blockchain ecosystem on Tuesday, stirring up excitement among enthusiasts.

Crypto Stocks Are Heating Up - Ad

At the center of this transformation is a game-changing platform that's experiencing explosive growth with $41 million in revenue in just nine months. The stock has doubled in the last 45 days, but this is only the beginning.

Nvidia Says DeepSeek An 'Illustration' Of How New AI Models Can Be Created While Being Export-Control Compliant Amid $600 Billion Market Value Plunge

Nvidia Corp. has thrown its support behind China's DeepSeek R1 artificial intelligence model, calling it "an excellent AI advancement" even as the startup's emergence triggered a historic $600 billion plunge in the chipmaker's market value on Monday.

Everyone aboard an American Airlines jet that collided with an Army helicopter is feared dead

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said Thursday.

Unlocking a Polymetallic Discovery Like No Other - Ad

With drill results rivaling the best in the world and a fully funded 2025 program, this polymetallic stock is poised for major growth. Industry icons Robert Friedland and Rob McEwen are already in. Will you be next?

Elon Musk's Tesla Records $600 Million In Paper Gains On Bitcoin In Q4 Thanks To New Accounting Rule

Electric vehicle behemoth Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) reported an unrealized gain of $600 million on its cryptocurrency holdings in the fourth quarter.

3 ETFs Shine As Trump's First Week Sparks Record Gains Followed By Tech Slump

The S&P 500 had a strong first week, with ETFs such as SPY, VOO and IVV seeing gains. Were Trump's economic policies a factor?

The Next Big Opportunity in Electric Vehicles - Ad

The electric revolution is hitting the water, and one company is surging ahead with unmatched efficiency and groundbreaking tech. Positioned in a market expected to triple by 2033, This stock is making waves among smart investors.

Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Yet Another Stock Market Crash, Pitches Bitcoin Investments -- Here's What The 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' Author Said

Renowned investor and author Robert Kiyosaki on Monday predicted a major stock market crash in February and advised investors to focus on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), gold, and silver.

Czech Central Bank Considering 5% Bitcoin Reserve

The Czech National Bank (CNB) could become the first Western central bank known to allocate a portion of its reserves to Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC).

The Most Brain-Dead Simple Way to Make Money... on Earth - Ad

First, he turned $50,000 into $5.3 million... now watch as this legendary trader reveals how you can use his easy "profit window trick" to pinpoint trades that deliver gains of 116%... 137%... and even 227%... In weeks (not years).

DeepSeek Suffers 'Degraded Performance,' Says Hit By 'Large-Scale Malicious Attacks' After Rapidly Emerging As App Store Chart Topper

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek faced significant cyberattacks amid its rapid rise, including topping the U.S. App Store and challenging AI giants with its cost-effective R1 language model.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright systemtrading.ca
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service