EU Advocacy Groups Press for Preservation of Digital Free Speech Aspects under the Digital Services Act
European NGOs Urge Protection of Freedom of Expression in Digital Services Act
In a joint open letter, over 50 European Union-based NGOs, including Free Speech Ireland, Digital Justice (Ireland), Alliance for Family (Czech Republic), Générations Avenir (France), and numerous other organisations from across Europe, have called on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, and Commissioner Michael McGrath to ensure that the upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA) safeguards freedom of expression without unduly restricting it.
The letter, signed on September 17, emphasises the importance of safeguards to protect factually accurate but dissenting content. It raises concerns about the implications of cross-border enforcement under the 'country of destination' provisions of the DSA, and the limited scope of judicial oversight that could constrain civil society actors' ability to challenge content moderation decisions.
The NGOs have highlighted the broad and open-to-interpretation terms such as 'illegal content,' 'systemic risk,' and 'disinformation' in the DSA, expressing fears that legitimate expression could potentially be removed or demoted due to these terms.
Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF International), is quoted in the letter as expressing growing concern across Europe over the shrinking democratic space under the Digital Services Act.
The NGOs have collectively demanded that the DSA protect freedom of expression, particularly in the context of the upcoming review scheduled for mid-November. They have also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the DSA on civil society and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The signatories of the letter are committed to democratic values and civil liberties, underscoring their collective commitment to upholding these principles in the digital age.
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