Compatibility with press freedom and freedom of information of the ideologically motivated boycott of Twitter and CNEWS by advertising stakeholders
31.3.2023
Question for written answer E-001105/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Virginie Joron (ID), Catherine Griset (ID)
According to certain hearings in the US Congress, Twitter censorship impeded the disclosure of genuine side-effects of COVID ‘vaccines’.[1]This act of censorship was revealed following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in late October 2022. This choice to end censorship on Twitter has made it the target of an ideologically motivated boycott campaign[2]. Twitter is reported to have lost 40% of its advertising revenue and 500 advertisers are said to have put their Twitter advertising on hold[3]. ‘Sleeping Giants’ is one such anonymous group harassing free media outlets like CNEWS and the companies that advertise on it in France[4].
Advertising executives also suggest not placing adverts next to a press article (even a digital one) containing a blacklisted word. Publishers complain that this practice discourages them from dealing with the subjects concerned (religion, insecurity, etc.) and distorts competition with other media outlets.
- 1.Does the Commission consider blacklists in the advertising sector to be non-discriminatory and compatible with press freedom or with EU rules?
- 2.Should these lists be transparent?
- 3.Are economic boycott campaigns (Sleeping Giants, etc.) on ideological grounds against a media outlet or company compatible with EU law?
Submitted: 31.3.2023
- [1] https://twitter.com/goddeketal/status/1633888578072616963
- [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/04/civil-rights-leaders-issue-urgent-call-for-advertisers-to-exit-twitter.html
- [3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2023/01/09/twitters-ad-volume-dropped-by-nearly-50-in-november/?sh=3851d5e220e7https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jan/18/twitter-revenue-drop-advertising-squeeze-elon-musk
- [4] https://twitter.com/slpng_giants_fr/status/1634119652128292864