GERMANY'S HABECK PROPOSES EUROPEAN PLATFORM TO RIVAL US TECH GIANTS

BERLIN, Jan 15 (Bernama-dpa) -- German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has proposed creating a European communication platform to rival major US tech giants such as X, Facebook and Instagram, reported German news agency dpa. 

Speaking on Tuesday evening during a Twitch livestream with Max Knabe, known by the pseudonym HandOfBlood, Habeck emphasised the need for Europe to assert its technological independence. 

Habeck, the Greens' top candidate in the upcoming German elections on February 23, suggested leveraging freely available content from European public broadcasters as a foundation for the platform, which would operate under European regulations.

"Where is the European X or Twitter? Where is the European TikTok, the European Instagram?" Habeck asked.

Habeck warned against leaving technological progress solely to the United States, led by figures like tech billionaire Elon Musk, or to an authoritarian China.

The vice chancellor argued that Europe must prove its ability to compete globally, highlighting the dominance of US and Chinese companies in the 21st century. He said Europe needs to show that it can perform as well or better.

The discussion between Habeck and Knabe, initiated by Habeck's team, spanned over two and a half hours and covered topics ranging from animal welfare to e-sports.

The livestream attracted a lively audience, with reactions ranging from praise to criticism. Viewers debated Habeck's suitability as a leader, with comments like, "I think he's a cool guy, but not a chancellor," alongside expressions of support such as "Habeck is the best man."

--BERNAMA-dpa