It’s a shocking move.
This week, the European Union introduced new measures aimed at regulating content on social media platforms, particularly targeting “foreign interference” and “illegal content.” The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect in February, requires social media companies to remove illegal content or face heavy fines. While EU officials argue that these measures are necessary to protect democracy, the initiative has sparked concerns among free speech advocates, especially in the United States, who worry that it may impact users outside of Europe.
The DSA has led to heated debates among EU lawmakers, with some expressing concerns that it could lead to political censorship. Hungarian MEP Schaller-Baross Ernő criticized the law, arguing that it could be used as a tool to suppress free expression, while Polish MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik suggested that right-wing views could be unfairly targeted. Despite these criticisms, supporters of the law maintain that social media platforms should be held to the same standards as offline media, pointing to existing national laws in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
The European Commission has emphasized that the DSA is not designed to remove lawful content but only content deemed illegal under national regulations. While some European politicians have praised the law as a necessary step to ensure accountability online, others have voiced concerns about its potential overreach. MEP Iratxe García, for example, criticized social media figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly promoting misinformation and supporting far-right groups, urging the enforcement of the DSA’s rules.
In response to the EU’s efforts, Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, warned that Europe is increasing censorship while the U.S. is continuing to uphold its free speech values. This sentiment aligns with a recent executive order signed by President Trump aimed at combating the use of government resources to promote censorship. The EU’s push to enforce its regulations on American platforms has been controversial, with some U.S. politicians accusing the EU of overstepping its jurisdiction.
Overall, while the DSA aims to address illegal content and foreign interference, it has raised significant concerns about free speech and the potential for overreach. As the law continues to be enforced, it remains to be seen how it will impact social media platforms and users, both within Europe and beyond.
