Tech Giants Unite Against EU's Digital Services Act Amid Censorship Claims

EU
Published:

The European Union (EU) is facing mounting opposition to its Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to combat misinformation online. Critics, including tech giants like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and U.S. officials, argue that the law represents an institutionalization of censorship, hindering innovation in Europe. The DSA has been gradually coming into effect over the last two years and seeks to enforce stricter regulations on digital platforms regarding harmful content.

Recent tensions arose when comments from Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), alleged that EU officials monitored a conversation between Elon Musk and herself on social media platform X. The EU rejected this claim, stating only a small number of personnel observed the event. However, the incident highlighted the rapid spread of false information, a primary concern the DSA seeks to address.

EU lawmakers are particularly concerned about Meta's recent decision to end partnerships with external fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram, suggesting users will now identify misinformation. Andreas Schwab, a member of the European People's Party and DSA reporter, warned that democracy is at risk and called for immediate actions against Meta's leadership.

In response to these challenges, the EU Commission insists that the DSA does not aim to suppress individual opinions but rather to manage how platforms handle user-generated content. There is rising anxiety that the law could clash with freedom of expression and democracy, particularly due to Musk's influence and potential interference in election processes.

The EU is now in a tough position, facing pushback from both powerful tech companies and the U.S. government. Currently, investigations into X and Meta are ongoing, assessing compliance with the DSA, but the outcomes remain uncertain.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from

European Space Agency Monitors Asteroid on Potential Collision Course with Earth

The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring an asteroid named 2024 YR4, measuring 100 meters by 40 meters, which could pose a threat to Earth in approximately seven years. According to ESA, the asteroid has a one in 83 chance of impacting the planet, potentially causing "severe damage to a local region." Currently, 2024 YR4 is about 27 million miles away and moving further from Earth, but it is expected to cross the Earth’s orbit on December 22, 2032. Experts anticipate a near miss, with the asteroid likely passing within a few thousand miles of Earth. The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group, chaired by ESA, plans to discuss the asteroid's trajectory in an upcoming meeting in Vienna. Should the impact risk be confirmed, the group will make recommendations to the United Nations and explore possible spacecraft interventions. Dr. Simeon Barber, a space scientist at the Open University, cautioned against panic, stating that early detection systems often overestimate impact probabilities due to uncertainties in the asteroid's trajectory. Early alerts like this one may become more common as detection technologies improve.
EU

European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates Amid Economic Stagnation

The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered its interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 2.75%, responding to a stagnating economy across the eurozone. This decision follows reports indicating significant slowdowns in the region's largest economies, France and Germany, both of which experienced contractions in the last quarter of 2024. Specifically, Germany's economy declined by 0.2%, while France shrank by 0.1%, and Italy recorded no growth. The ECB stated that inflation remains elevated, primarily due to wages and prices adjusting sluggishly to previous inflation spikes. Although wages have shown signs of moderation, many businesses are absorbing rising costs instead of passing them onto consumers. Carsten Brzeski, the global head of macro at ING, noted that the ECB's interest cut was warranted, but further reductions would be necessary to address the weak economic conditions. Financial markets predict additional cuts totaling one percentage point for the remainder of the year as the ECB continues to navigate persistent economic challenges.
EU

Scientists Monitor Football-Pitch-Sized Asteroid with Potential Earth Impact Risk

The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring an asteroid referred to as 2024 YR4, which is approximately 100 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a potential to hit Earth in the near future. According to ESA, there is an estimated one in 83 chance of a direct impact, which could result in significant damage to a localized area. The asteroid is currently about 27 million miles away and is moving away from Earth, but it will cross our planet's orbit on December 22, 2032. The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group is scheduled to meet in Vienna next week to discuss the asteroid's trajectory and observations. If the risk of impact is confirmed, ESA plans to recommend actions to the United Nations and consider options for a spacecraft-based response. Dr. Simeon Barber from the Open University has emphasized that there is no immediate cause for alarm as early detection systems often overestimate impact risks. He noted that improved technology could lead to more frequent alerts as the ability to track these objects advances. The asteroid was first detected by a telescope in Chile, and astronomers are currently tracking its movements.
EU
All News ->