United States criticizes Europe's free speech policies in abridged human rights report
In its 2024 annual human rights report, the U.S. State Department has raised concerns about internet regulations and restrictions on online hate speech in Western Europe. The report specifically highlights Britain, France, and Germany, stating that these measures are significant constraints on freedom of expression.
The report documents serious restrictions on freedom of expression in these countries, including enforcement or threats of criminal or civil laws limiting speech. In the UK, for instance, a man was jailed for posting a meme linking migrants to knife crime, and another person was convicted for silent prayer violating a “safe zone.” These cases, according to the report, represent assaults on free expression.
In Germany, the situation has reportedly worsened during the year. German authorities have routinely raided homes, confiscated electronic devices, interrogated suspects, and prosecuted individuals for the exercise of freedom of speech, including online. A notable case in March 2024 involved raids on 45 people nationwide targeting “misogyny on the internet.”
Similarly, in France, the report underscores serious restrictions on freedom of expression.
Overall, the report emphasizes significant human rights issues involving serious restrictions on freedom of expression, including online speech. It criticizes these Western European allies for what it terms an “assault on free speech” through internet regulations and restrictions related to hate speech.
This criticism comes at a time when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has moved aggressively to deny or strip US visas of foreign nationals over their statements and social media postings, especially student activists who have criticized Israel.
The report also trimmed down its section on Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, acknowledging cases of arbitrary arrests and killings by Israel but saying authorities took "credible steps" to identify those responsible.
The report's focus on Western European allies aligns with an overall finding that the human rights situation in several traditional Western allies, including France and Germany, had “worsened through the year.”
However, some critics, including Democratic party lawmakers, have accused Trump and Rubio of treating human rights only as a cudgel against adversaries, inviting charges by Beijing and Moscow of US hypocrisy.
The report also took particular aim at countries that have been in President Donald Trump's crosshairs, including Brazil and South Africa, and accused some close US allies, such as Britain, France, and Germany, of worsening human rights due to restrictions on online hate speech.
The report's tone and focus mark a shift with increased scrutiny on restrictions impacting free speech in these traditionally allied democracies. The report's criticism sends a "chilling message" that the US will overlook abuses if doing so suits its political agenda, according to Amnesty International USA's Amanda Klasing.
The report's criticism sends a chilling message that the US will overlook abuses if doing so suits its political agenda, according to Amnesty International USA's Amanda Klasing.
The report's focus on restrictions on online hate speech in countries like Britain, France, and Germany shows a shift towards increased scrutiny on free speech in traditionally allied democracies.
