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European Law May Soon Target Americans’ Free Speech

January 27, 2025

European bureaucrats are preparing to apply online censorship rules to American citizens in a move free speech advocates have warned is dangerous. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) debated expanding the Digital Services Act (DSA) last week, according to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International. The controversial DSA went into effect in February and already mandates the removal of illegal content from social media platforms, but MEPs are now looking at expanding the scope of the legislation to “protect democracy” in Europe from “foreign interference,” specifically pointing to tech billionaire Elon Musk and X (formerly Twitter).

MEP Iratxe García, leader of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, declared, “In recent months, we have seen how Elon Musk and his social network X have become the main promoter for the far right by supporting Donald Trump and Alice Weidel’s AfD party through fake news and hate messages.” She demanded, “We must ensure the effective application of our rules and we must sanction those who break the rules.”

European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, who oversees enforcement of the DSA, announced plans to double enforcement staff from 100 to 200 staffers by the end of the year. The broadened enforcement of the legislation would potentially allow the European Union (EU) to target American citizens for online speech considered hateful or criminal under European laws. Currently, the DSA provides for the EU to fine social media platforms up to 6% of their annual revenue for failure or refusal to remove online content that violates European laws, but the legislation also allows the EU to completely ban platforms from operating in Europe if violations “persist.”

Progressives in Europe have expressed alarm over Musk’s vocal support for the conservative Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany, accusing him of possible “foreign interference” in European elections. Earlier this month, Musk conducted an interview on X with AfD leader Alice Weidel and, on Saturday, addressed an AfD rally via video link. Last year, European Commissioner Thierry Breton issued a warning to Musk regarding the tech billionaire’s planned interview with President Donald Trump, demanding that he adhere to EU regulations over the course of the broadcast. A few months later, Breton resigned.

While progressives have supported expanding the authorities of the DSA, several conservative MEPs spoke out against the effort. Hungarian MEP Schaller-Baross Ern?' declared, “Let’s call a spade a spade! In its current form, the DSA can also serve as a tool for political censorship.” He called for abolishing the censorship provisions the DSA was outfitted with and said, “Freedom of expression and equal conditions must be ensured. This is the foundation of our democracy. Let’s say no to political censorship!” Polish MEP Ewa Zaj?...czkowska-Hernik warned that the DSA is being weaponized to make conservative political speech a “thought crime.”

Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, commented, “We are living in a new bipolar order of speech. On the one hand, Europe is doubling down on censorship, while the U.S. is recommitting to its free speech heritage.” He warned, “This will usher in an unprecedented era of tension within the West itself over this most basic of human rights, and it is the responsibility of all who value freedom to side with the protection of free speech.” Coleman continued, “The effects of the DSA will not be confined to Europe. There are legitimate worries that the DSA could censor the speech of citizens across the world, as social media companies could regulate their content globally to comply with European standards.”

S.A. McCarthy serves as a news writer at The Washington Stand.



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