FCC raises concerns over EU’s online regulation impact on free speech
The Trump administration has vowed to push back against regulations it sees as unfair to American businesses.
The chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has criticised the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), warning it could excessively limit free speech.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Brendan Carr argued that the European Union‘s content moderation law is incompatible with America’s free speech tradition and puts undue pressure on US tech firms operating in Europe.
Carr’s comments reflect growing tensions between the United States and Europe over digital regulation. The FCC chairman accused the DSA of promoting censorship, echoing concerns raised by US Vice President JD Vance at an AI summit in Paris.
The Trump administration has made free speech a key policy focus, with President Trump vowing to combat online censorship and warning of scrutiny over the DSA’s impact on US businesses.
Tech giants such as Apple, Meta, and Alphabet have been asked to explain how they plan to comply with both the DSA and US free speech principles.
Some companies are considering geofencing to create separate platforms for different regions, though Carr questioned whether this would be practical.
The European Commission defended the law, stating it aims to protect fundamental rights and ensure a safer online environment.
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