“The European Commission said that it has sought clarification from the US authorities, and if necessary, “we will react quickly and decisively to protect our regulatory autonomy from unjustified measures.””, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the US throughout the democratic world. The EU is an open, rules-based single market with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in accordance with our democratic values and international obligations,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The statement emphasizes that EU digital rules ensure a safe, fair and level playing field for all businesses, applied fairly and without discrimination.
“We have asked the US authorities for clarification and continue cooperation. If necessary, we will react quickly and decisively to protect our regulatory autonomy from unjustified measures,” the European Commission added.
Earlier, the US State Department banned five people from entering the US, who, according to Washington, were involved in putting pressure on American online platforms. The department said the restrictions apply to individuals who “led an organized effort to force American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American views.” Among them is former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Afterward, Breton asked the question in a post on social media: “Is the McCarthy witch hunt back?”.
“We remind you: 90% of the European Parliament – our democratically elected body – and all 27 member states voted unanimously for the Digital Services Act. To our American friends: “Censorship is not where you think,” he wrote on X’s social network.
In December 2025, US President Donald Trump criticized the European Commission’s decision to fine the American billionaire Elon Musk’s X social network 120 million euros for violating the rules of digital services in the EU. Trump said that Europe is moving in a “very bad direction”.
In July 2025, the Judiciary Committee of the US Congress published a report in which the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) was recognized as a “threat of foreign censorship”.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) introduces rules for online services used by European citizens in their everyday lives. These include marketplaces, social networks, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms.
The main goal of DSA is to create a digital space that respects the fundamental rights of citizens and consumers. The DSA also requires platforms to minimize the risks of providing citizens, including children and young people, with illegal and harmful content.