Habeck accused Musk and other U.S. tech giants of pushing a hypocritical vision of “free speech” while keeping their business models and algorithms as tightly guarded as “state secrets.”

“They must be regulated,” Habeck said. “If necessary, regulated in a way that aligns with our values.”

But Habeck said European regulation isn’t up to the task. 

“Why don’t we have a German or European communication platform of our own?” he asked. “We cannot be dependent on Chinese algorithms or Elon Musk’s far-right fantasies when it comes to shaping our democracy.” 

Habeck called for Europe to take back control of its digital space, not just in social media but across all industries in which “technological leadership has left the continent.” He warned that action must be taken within the next two years.

Habeck’s remarks echo a growing unease in Brussels over the power of Big Tech. Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky has proposed an even more radical approach: that the EU buy existing platforms instead of trying to build its own. In a policy memo, Lagodinsky argued Europe must act decisively, potentially acquiring TikTok’s European operations or other major platforms to break free of foreign control.

“The democratic and geopolitical risks of foreign-controlled social media are too great,” Lagodinsky wrote. “If we want real digital sovereignty, we must regulate, invest, and acquire.”