Germany’s president threatens to stop TikTok, X from “destroying” European democracy

German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier has threatened to stop TikTok, X, and other platforms from destroying the country’s democracy.

The president mentioned this while giving a speech at the ongoing Munich Security Conference (MSC) in a video shared by Disclose TV on 14 February showing him visibly angry at TikTok and X.

He said he will not allow these social platforms to destroy their democracy, apparently speaking in response to statements made by Elon Musk earlier concerning Germany’s style of government.

Blaming social media

The German president’s comment comes after X owner Elon Musk made a surprise videolink appearance at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on 28 January.

During an address, the tech billionaire told thousands of AfD supporters that “children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents.”

Musk seemed to be referring to the Nazi rule of Hitler which has left an indelible mark in the sands of time. Also clearly referring to the open borders policy which is prevalent in Germany, Musk said:

“There is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that. “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.”

In the speech today, the German president said:

“We Europeans lean on the tech companies just like everyone else, but these companies comply with European law. Whether their name be TikTok, X, or something else, we cannot, and will not allow platforms to destroy our democratic societies or cause serious harm to our children.”

A vendetta?

Considering that Elon Musk who is a vocal critic of the current German government is also the owner of Twitter, it would seem like this is not a declaration against social media, but instead a way to get back at Musk for his views.

What Steinmeier has in mind is uncertain, but it is likely what usually happens to social platforms — a ban in the European Union, particularly for X.