Twitter’s Brussels office shutdown leaves people asking questions

Updated on 25-Nov-2022
HIGHLIGHTS

Twitter has shut down its office in Brussels

The office had been in close contact with the European Commission, helping them formulate their online policies

This shutdown had been coming for some time now

After the Musk takeover, Twitter has been in the news for one reason or the other. This time, the reason why the microblogging platform has caught everyone’s attention is because of reportedly shutting down its Brussels office.

In case you didn’t know, after a long-drawn legal battle between the outgoing top brass of Twitter and business tycoon, Elon Musk, Twitter’s control has shifted to the hands of Elon Musk. Wasting no time after moving into the office, Musk has been making changes to Twitter’s operations that are being loved by some and frowned upon by others. And, this move of shutting down the Brussels office is one of them. The reports of this first surfaced in a Financial Times report published on November 24.

https://twitter.com/FinancialTimes/status/1595737804562112513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Will Twitter follow the laws?

A report in the Financial Times states that Twitter’s Brussels office had been the centre for all things that were related to the Union’s digital policy. The Twitter staff at the Brussels office was actively involved in the process of digital policy-making for the EU and worked with important officials from the European Commission. While it may look like the benefits reaped by the presence of a Twitter office in Brussels were going only the EU’s way, Twitter had a lot to gain from it as well.

There had been news doing rounds on the internet about the imminent shutdown of the Brussels office. On November 14, Stephen Turner, who according to his Twitter and LinkedIn Bio was a part of the top brass at Twitter’s Brussels office, finally said goodbyes to the company, announcing his departure in a Tweet.

https://twitter.com/sturner/status/1592087479221354496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Being in such close contact with the institution that is responsible for making laws in the EU, meant that Twitter could easily get ahead of any regulatory changes that were in the works, ensuring that it is ahead of the curve in the space. However, given that Twitter’s Brussels office is no longer operational, the brand will have to look for other ways to ensure that its policies are in place. Additionally, there has been an indication from the side of the Commission that there might be some pushback coming Twitter’s way. The basis of this lies in the fact highlighted in the Financial Times report, which is given the cutting down of the ties, will the platform follow the new, stricter rules that are being put in place?

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Satvik Pandey

Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie.

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