Germany’s Habeck criticizes ‘tech oligarch’ Musk and urges creation of a European alternative to X

German Minister Calls for Stronger Regulation of U.S. Tech Giants

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has criticized Elon Musk and other U.S. tech leaders, accusing them of promoting a misleading version of “free speech” while keeping their business models and algorithms as secretive as “state secrets.”

“They must be regulated,” Habeck insisted. “And if necessary, in a way that reflects our values.”

However, he acknowledged that current European regulations are insufficient to address the issue.

“Why don’t we have a German or European communication platform of our own?” Habeck questioned. “We cannot let Chinese algorithms or Elon Musk’s far-right ambitions dictate our democracy.”

He urged Europe to reclaim control over its digital landscape—not only in social media but across various industries where technological leadership has shifted away from the continent. According to Habeck, action must be taken within the next two years to prevent further dependence on foreign-controlled platforms.

His concerns echo broader apprehensions in Brussels regarding the influence of Big Tech. Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky has proposed an even more radical solution: instead of creating new European platforms, the EU should consider purchasing existing ones.

In a recently published policy memo, Lagodinsky argued that securing digital sovereignty requires bold measures such as acquiring platforms like TikTok’s European operations.

“The democratic and geopolitical risks of foreign-controlled social media are too significant,” Lagodinsky wrote. “To achieve true digital independence, we must regulate, invest, and, if necessary, acquire.”