Freedom to express one's opinion is a priceless jewel in the treasury of the European Union, solemnly enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. But a rumor, passionately spread on a widely shared Facebook reel and on YouTube, calls that truth into question. One man claims that “August 25th” will mark the end of this precious freedom with the entry into force of the EU’s Digital Services Act. He claims that the big bell of censorship would then ring across “all major internet platforms”, specifically YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram – all while driving a car at the same time.

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However, verification shows that these claims are false.

The Digital Services Act does not come into force on August 25th and does not restrict freedom of expression on internet platforms!

In the European Union, the right to freedom of expression is also respected and protected in the digital world. The European Digital Services Act in no way claims to exercise censorship on internet platforms.

ClaimsFact check
“On August 25th, the EU’s Digital Services Act will end freedom of expression on all major internet platforms.”Incorrect . The Digital Services Act does not come into force on August 25 and does not restrict freedom of expression on internet platforms.
“The EU’s Digital Services Act introduces comprehensive censorship on YouTube, Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram.”Incorrect . The Digital Services Act aims to strengthen user rights and control the power of big tech companies, but does not introduce censorship.
“The freedom to express one’s own opinion is restricted by the Digital Services Act.”Incorrect . The principle of freedom of expression remains unaffected in the EU, including in the digital space. The Digital Services Act continues to guarantee the right to express one's opinion online.
“With the Digital Services Act, internet platforms must remove illegal content and can block accounts.”Correct . The DSA stipulates that platforms can quickly remove illegal content and block accounts that distribute such content.
“The Digital Services Act will come into force on August 25, 2023.”Incorrect . The DSA came into force on November 16, 2022 and will apply in all EU countries from February 17, 2024. August 25, 2023 refers to a different regulation.
“The Digital Services Act protects users from targeted advertising and the misuse of their sensitive data.”Correct . The DSA puts user interests first and protects users, among other things, from targeted advertising and the misuse of their sensitive data.

The Battle for Control: The Digital Services Act

An overview of the DSA

At the center of the debate is the EU's extensive Digital Services Act, a piece of legislation with over 90 articles that is due to come into force on August 25th. The law is intended to limit the power of large technology companies while strengthening the rights of users. But what is the truth behind the claims that this law would lead to widespread censorship? To clarify this, it is important to take a closer look at the content of the law.

The DSA and freedom of expression

The principle of freedom of expression is deeply rooted in the EU and is enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The directive does not aim to restrict this right. On the contrary, it ensures that all citizens continue to have the right to express their opinions, including online. But how can a law simultaneously protect freedom of expression and curb the abuse of online platforms? The answer lies in the details.

The intricacies of the Digital Services Act

Users in focus

The DSA puts the user at the center. The law stipulates that users have the right to know why certain content and products are recommended to them. It also protects users from targeted advertising and misuse of their sensitive data, especially children.

The regulation of illegal content

Another important component of the DSA is the regulation of illegal content. The DSA stipulates that platforms must quickly remove illegal content such as calls for violence, terrorist propaganda and child pornography. Accounts that distribute such illegal content may be blocked.

However, it is important that the national law of the respective country applies. Furthermore, national supervisory authorities, and not the European Commission, will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing these rules.

Demystifying the misconceptions

It's easy to get lost in the flood of information and believe misinformation. One example is the misinformation that the DSA will come into force on August 25, 2023. In reality, the law already came into force on November 16, 2022 and will apply in all EU countries from February 17, 2024.

The date mentioned, August 25, 2023, refers to a different regulation. On this day, the EU Commission named 17 “very large online platforms” and two “very large online search engines” that must comply with their obligations under the Digital Act by this date.

Conclusion: The debate over the DSA and freedom of expression is a complex issue and it is important to know all the facts before making a judgment. Although the DSTA limits the power of the tech giants, it does not provide for censorship. Rather, it is intended to protect the interests of users and curb the spread of illegal content.

Sources:

Also read: EU: New law against fake news, online hate and other illegal content


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )