Either you prove yourself or you’re out. The EU is creating a new platform

Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) has long been accused of spreading disinformation, manipulation, and often hate speech. Although its users are responsible for this, administrators do little to combat it. Grok’s new feature, which allowed people in photos to be dressed in bikinis or BDSM outfits, has become particularly popular recently. Therefore, the European Union has a plan.

Initially, a group of MPs sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in which they demanded an immediate reaction regarding the X platform and Grok. A few days later, the Commission spokesman admitted that the company was cooperating with officials and the solutions proposed by the company were currently being analyzed.

However, this was not enough for MEPs. Therefore, they proposed creating a European alternative to X. The new platform is to be called “W”. Although it is ultimately intended for the European market, the originators do not rule out its international reach.

First of all, the European alternative to X is to assume a complete lack of anonymity. Each user will have to verify their identity and share a photo.

Accounts run by automated bots will also be banned. All data will be processed, stored and handled only within Europe and by European service providers. The whole thing is supposed to operate in accordance with GDPR requirements.

W is to be a subsidiary of the We Don’t Have Time organization and be based in Sweden. The platform will be headed by Anna Zeiter, an experienced lawyer in the field of data protection, new technology law and artificial intelligence.

The originators hope that the lack of anonymity will translate into a higher level of public debate and limit abuses. It is currently unknown when the platform will be launched.