The Donald Trump government is mulling a variety of sanctions against the European Union and its officials over free speech concerns. The curbs would apply to those implementing the landmark Digital Services Act — an unprecedented move that could potentially affect top-ranking officials across the bloc.
According to a source-based Reuters report, the restrictions may be imposed against the European Union or member state officials who are responsible for implementing the Act. Punitive measures are likely to come in the form of visa restrictions for some officials.
Unprecedented move
Sources however told the publication that senior State Department members were yet to make a final decision on whether to go ahead. US officials reportedly held internal meetings on the topic last week but it remains unclear which EU or EU member state functionaries the action would target. The Trump government has been vocal in its criticism of the law which they claim censors Americans and imposes costs on US tech companies.
Earlier this month Reuters had cited an internal State Department cable to reveal that the Trump administration instructed its diplomats in Europe to launch a lobbying campaign and build opposition to the Digital Services Act — an effort to have it amended or repealed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also threatened visa bans for people who “censor” speech by Americans — including on social media — in May and suggested the policy could target foreign officials regulating US tech companies.
Rubio also issued a directive in early August for US diplomats to regularly engage with EU governments and digital services authorities to convey their concerns about the DSA and the financial costs for US companies.
While trading partners frequently complain about domestic rules they see as unfairly restrictive, sanctioning government officials over such a regulation is extremely rare. The relationship between the Trump administration and the European Union is already frayed by tariff threats and tense negotiations as well as US criticism of treatment of US tech companies.
What is the Digital Services Act?
The Digital Services Act or DSA is an European Union regulation that was adopted in 2022. It aims to make the online environment safer and more accountable — in part by forcing tech giants to put more effort into tackling illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material.
The DSA applies to various online platforms such as social media networks, marketplaces, app stores, and search engines, with stricter rules for “very large” platforms having more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU.
Washington has said the EU is pursuing “undue” restrictions on freedom of expression in its efforts to combat hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation. It contends that the DSA is further enhancing these curbs.
(With inputs from agencies)