US lawmakers have raised concerns about the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) and its potential impact on free speech, following a series of meetings and interviews during their recent visit to Europe. Representatives Jim Jordan, Scott Fitzgerald, and Kevin Kiley discussed these issues in an interview with Brussels Signal, arguing that the DSA could lead to government-backed censorship and limit political debate under the guise of content moderation.
During an appearance on GB News after talks with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the congressmen warned about what they described as Britain's "frightening" free speech challenges. They expressed concern that restrictions on expression in the UK could influence similar policies in the United States. Jim Jordan said, "The first amendment to the Constitution."
On Sky News, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald suggested that major US technology companies might need to form a "united front" to resist regulatory measures introduced by both the UK and EU. He mentioned companies such as Meta, Apple, and Microsoft as potential participants in this effort.
While visiting Dublin, the US politicians cautioned that American tech firms might reconsider their business activities in Europe due to frustration over increasing regulation. Jim Jordan stated that after spending a week in Brussels, the UK, and Ireland, their concerns about digital legislation enforced by what he called a "large bureaucracy" remained unchanged.
At a press briefing covered by Politico EU, Jordan reiterated his apprehension regarding new European online safety laws: "The biggest takeaway from our week here in Europe is that nothing has really changed our concerns."
Speaking to Breitbart News, Jordan compared actions taken by the EU and UK to those of the Biden administration concerning big tech platforms and free speech. He said these governments are acting "exactly" like the Biden administration in encouraging censorship on digital platforms.
US lawmakers' criticism comes amid ongoing debates over technology regulation worldwide. The Digital Services Act aims to create safer online environments but has drawn scrutiny from some American officials who see it as potentially infringing on freedom of expression.
