The European Commission is unwilling to negotiate over laws that regulate US tech companies in Europe through legislation, according to Commissioner for Technology Regulation Henna Virkkunen. In an interview with the Handelsblatt, Virkkunen emphasized the need to fully implement the EU’s strong instruments to ensure a safe, fair and democratic digital environment.
At the same time, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is in Washington to discuss possible compromises in the trade dispute with the US government. Virkkunen also increased the pressure on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, potentially imposing fines on the ongoing investigations against the platforms. The investigation against the social media platform X could be concluded soon, with the decision on whether to impose a fine being a highly political one, given the close ties between X’s owner, Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump.
Virkkunen criticized US Vice President J.D. Vance, who had accused the EU of restricting free speech during the Munich Security Conference. “Under the DSA, online platforms must have procedures for evaluating and reducing risks, such as the protection of minors, the integrity of elections, our democracy and the well-being of people” Virkkunen said.
When it comes to content, however, the misunderstanding often occurs, Virkkunen noted. “Some people think we regulate content, but we don’t.” Instead, the platforms must have procedures in place to ensure they do not spread hate speech or disinformation and to remove illegal content, the EU Commissioner emphasized.