Enforcing the Digital Services Act: A Crucial Step for Democracy

On January 21, 2025, the European Parliament convened in Strasbourg to deliberate on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA). This landmark legislation, designed to regulate online platforms and protect democratic values, has sparked significant debate among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with opinions spanning the spectrum of optimism and concern.

Protecting Citizens and Platforms

The vice-president of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose (DK, S&D) emphasized that the DSA is not a tool for censorship but a safeguard for citizens and platforms alike. “The DSA is about ensuring platforms take responsibility for their algorithms and their impacts,” she stated, countering allegations that the legislation stifles freedom of expression. Schaldemose highlighted the EU’s commitment to holding platforms accountable, noting the ongoing investigations and increased staffing to bolster enforcement.

MEPs broadly agreed on the necessity of enforcing the DSA to combat systemic risks, such as disinformation and harmful content. “Freedom of expression cannot justify lies, propaganda, and manipulation,” said Iratxe García Pérez (ES, S&D). This sentiment was echoed by many who called for decisive action against platforms that fail to comply with EU regulations.

Challenges and Diverging Views

The plenary session revealed differing perspectives on the DSA’s implications. While some saw it as a vital framework for safeguarding democracy, others expressed concerns about its potential overreach.

Virginie Joron (FR, PfE) criticized the DSA as a mechanism of control, labeling it the “digital surveillance act.” Similarly, Piotr Müller (PL, ECR) warned of the threat to freedom of speech, arguing that the legislation could lead to censorship under the guise of combating disinformation.

On the other hand, Alexandra Geese (DE, Greens) underscored the urgency of addressing platform algorithms that amplify hateful and misleading content. “We need to stop recommendation systems and protect elections,” she asserted, advocating for stronger measures to mitigate the influence of tech giants.

A Call for European Sovereignty

Several MEPs highlighted the need for European digital autonomy. Sandro Gozi (FR, Renew) and Marc Botenga (BE, The Left) called for the development of EU-based social networks to reduce reliance on tech giants like Meta and TikTok. “We must take back control of our information and free ourselves from the grip of billionaires,” Botenga declared.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, reinforced the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the DSA. “Everyone doing business in Europe must respect our rules. The DSA balances freedom and responsibility,” she affirmed, urging platforms to comply and users to have more control over recommended content.

The Road Ahead

The debate also touched on Meta’s controversial decision to end its fact-checking partnerships, a move widely condemned as enabling disinformation. “Removing fact checkers gives scope to further disinformation,” warned Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PL, EPP).

Looking forward, MEPs called for swift and effective implementation of the DSA. “Legislation is not enough. We must ensure that it is enforced,” urged García Pérez. Others echoed this call, emphasizing the importance of penalties and proactive measures to ensure compliance.

The European Parliament’s plenary session on the DSA underscored the challenges and opportunities of regulating the digital space. As Europe seeks to protect its democratic processes and citizens, the effective enforcement of the DSA remains a critical priority. While the debate continues, one message is clear: the stakes for democracy in the digital age have never been higher.