No opt-out option for big tech from Europe’s digital rules

European regulators should stand strong in the face of rule changes by large US social media platforms, a Fine Gael MEP has said.

Commenting on recent changes implemented by X, formerly Twitter, and announced by Meta, Regina Doherty MEP said: “Europe has spent the last number of years ensuring that illegal content and disinformation is not allowed to flourish on these sites. Legislators have given the tools needed to authorities like the European Commission, and Ireland’s own Coimisiún na Meán, to enable them to hold these larger platforms to account. We’ve already seen the start of significant investigations under the Digital Services Act and there will hopefully be substantial consequences for any wrongdoing.

“Changes made on a whim by executives in California will be subject to serious analysis in Europe, and anything that allows illegal content or disinformation to spread will absolutely result in legal repercussions. Greater access to freedom of speech is welcome, but this should not be at the expense of safety online, both of these things can exist together.

“In a very fast-moving environment, regulators too must step up to the plate. When large platforms can make changes overnight, it’s not good enough that investigations go on for months, if not years. We need swift and strong outcomes where an investigation finds that platforms are bending or breaking the rules. The digital space in Europe is not open to the highest bidder. The EU has long sought to ensure the online space is a safe one for European citizens, and changes made by platforms will only be allowed once that is respected.”