Euractiv: Civil Society Criticises Commissioner Breton’s Approach to EU Digital Rulebook

By Julia Tar

Civil society groups and academics have criticised European Commissioner Thierry Breton’s recent letter to Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, arguing that it misinterprets the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and threatens free expression.

The Open Letters

In one of the letters, dated Wednesday (21 August), signed by The Future of Free Speech, TechFreedom, Institute H2Z, and others, argue that Breton’s letter to Musk demonstrates a disregard for freedom of expression, which they believe is inconsistent with the principles of the DSA.

“Your letter reflects an alarming disregard for freedom of expression,” and, “it is inconsistent with the design” of the DSA, states the open letter.

They emphasise that the DSA should be interpreted in a way that upholds freedom of expression and that restrictions on speech should be applied cautiously.

The letter also criticises Breton’s use of the term “harmful content”, suggesting that his approach could lead to censorship. The signatories also disagree with the Commissioner about applying the DSA beyond the EU, warning that this could threaten free speech globally.