"Evropi a new European social network and a new European web browser are needed, which would be independent from existing social networks such as Facebook or X, or Google, because social networks and web browsers are the basis of information," the president of the German Association told "Vreme" journalists Mika Boyster.
He points out that "we should all ask ourselves where we get our information from".
"We need a European web browser and a European social network. Therefore, if we want a well-informed society, it is necessary to make sure that we have our own information infrastructure," Boister said.
Asked if this could be compared to the current growing need for Europe to build a defense system on its own that would be operational independently of Washington's support, Boister pointed out that the establishment of a European web browser and a European social network is "even more important".
"I don't want to minimize the need to strengthen the defense, but we need quality information as much as food. When you look at the numbers, Europe has more inhabitants than the United States of America, Europe is an economic superpower, but nobody talks about it. We don't have any structure that could support it," Boister pointed out.
Noting that because of threats from Russia, they are spending money on tanks and artillery, he pointed out that no one is talking about freedom of speech.
"What are we defending, if not freedom of speech? We have to protect journalism as an institution," said Boyster.
On the remark that it is much easier for Americans to organize - because they are all Americans, while there are no Europeans in Europe, only Germans, French and others, and that it is necessary for them to get rid of nationalism and the pride that results from it, Boister emphasizes that we "have to swallow that pride".
"Even so, we have to focus on that task, we need a European solution. I don't see any other way," Boister says.
He emphasizes that the initiative to establish a European social network and a European web browser should be initiated by European journalists supported by people living in Europe.
"It's up to us, professional journalists, to use these tools to determine what is fact and what is fiction. We have to do it ourselves, because help doesn't come from the outside, politicians simply don't see the problem," Boister says.
He points out that the media and the public need to advocate as much as possible the idea of creating a European social network and a European web browser.
"It should be a good, attractive social network, because what we have now as an alternative does not work well at all. The existing social networks are not at all adapted to the needs of users, and we urgently need a solution to that problem. There are so many brilliant minds in Europe, it is not about a lack of talent, but a lack of will. Ask any teenager on the street and you will see that they know more about social networks than those who manage those networks from tall office buildings," Boister concluded.
