Claim:
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg alleged that Europe has “an ever-increasing number of laws institutionalizing censorship” while announcing the end of third-party fact-checking in the U.S. He suggested that the European Union (EU) is pushing censorship laws to limit free speech.
Verdict:
The claim is misleading. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) does not engage in censorship but establishes regulatory measures for online platforms to combat illegal content, disinformation, and online harms. It does not dictate what is considered legal or illegal content but enforces transparency and accountability measures.
What Is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European law passed in 2022 that sets rules for online platforms to tackle illegal content, disinformation, child safety, and consumer protection. The law applies to all online services operating in the EU, including social media, search engines, marketplaces, and app stores.
Big Tech vs. EU Regulators
Tech giants like Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have clashed with EU regulators over the DSA. The EU has launched investigations into these platforms over issues like:
- Addictive algorithms influencing user behavior
- Misinformation and disinformation spreading unchecked
- Lack of transparency in ad targeting and content moderation
Recently, the EU formally charged X for failing to comply with the DSA, sparking a backlash from Elon Musk, who accused the EU of forcing platforms into censorship.
Does the DSA Promote Censorship?
The EU rejects allegations of censorship. A spokesperson from the European Commission stated that the DSA does not dictate content rules but ensures platforms enforce existing laws fairly and transparently.
The law requires platforms to:
✔️ Remove illegal content (terrorism, child abuse, hate speech)
✔️ Disclose how algorithms work to prevent manipulation
✔️ Allow users to appeal content removals
✔️ Ban ‘shadow banning’ without user notification
Who Decides What Content is Legal?
The EU does not unilaterally enforce content rules—national governments and independent regulators oversee compliance. The European Commission can investigate violations but cannot directly censor content.
What Does the DSA Mean for Social Media Users?
For the average user, the DSA does not change much in terms of free expression. People can still post as before, but platforms must be more transparent about how they moderate content.
Looking Ahead: EU vs. Trump Administration
With Donald Trump returning as U.S. President, there could be new tensions between the U.S. and EU over digital regulations. Meta has already signaled that it may push back against foreign governments, potentially leading to legal battles over how platforms should operate globally.
Conclusion
The EU’s Digital Services Act is not a censorship law—it regulates online platforms to prevent illegal content, improve transparency, and protect consumers. While Big Tech companies argue it imposes heavy restrictions, the law primarily aims to hold platforms accountable for harmful content while protecting users’ rights.
📌 Final Verdict: The claim that the EU is engaging in censorship through the DSA is misleading. The law does not limit free speech but ensures responsible digital governance.