16/04/2026
A new report by Observatoire des multinationales reveals a coordinated campaign to undermine the EU’s digital framework, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). What may appear as a debate on “free speech” is, in reality, a strategic effort by the Trump administration, far-right networks, and parts of Big Tech to weaken platform accountability.
A Manufactured “Free Speech” Narrative
The DSA was widely supported when adopted. It does not determine what content is legal but introduces transparency, accountability, and safeguards against systemic risks like disinformation and online harm. Yet today, it is being portrayed as a censorship tool. This narrative is actively promoted by US officials and far-right think tanks, then echoed by political actors in Brussels. The report shows how this framing is not grounded in evidence but designed to delegitimise EU regulation. At the same time, the US administration – while claiming to defend free speech abroad – has taken measures at home that restrict dissent.
The report highlights direct pressure from the United States, including threats of tariffs and actions targeting civil society organisations working on hate speech. Alongside this, a network of ideologically aligned think tanks is working to influence European debates and policymaking. In Brussels, far-right actors have taken up these narratives, organising events and amplifying claims that the DSA restricts freedom. These efforts are reinforced by well-funded organisations and increasingly coordinated messaging across borders.
Big Tech and the Far-Right Convergence
A striking finding is the growing alignment between major tech companies and far-right political actors. Platforms that once accepted the DSA are now engaging more frequently with far-right Members of the European Parliament. This shift reflects shared interests: weakening regulation, avoiding scrutiny, and preserving business models that can benefit from polarising or harmful content. The DSA, by introducing transparency and risk mitigation obligations, challenges these dynamics.
What the DSA Actually Does
Contrary to widespread claims, the DSA:
- Does not censor lawful content
- Does not impose blanket monitoring
- Does not give the EU power to decide what can be said online
Instead, it ensures that platforms:
- Explain and justify content moderation decisions
- Provide users with avenues to challenge removals
- Assess and mitigate systemic risks, including impacts on elections and fundamental rights
Europe’s Choice: Stand Firm or Step Back
At stake is more than a single piece of legislation. The DSA represents a broader effort to bring accountability to the digital public sphere. Yielding to external pressure and disinformation would weaken democratic protections and further concentrate power in the hands of a few tech giants. As this report makes clear, the current attacks are not about protecting free speech, they are about reshaping the rules in favour of powerful interests. The European Commission must stand firm, enforce the DSA robustly, and resist efforts to dismantle hard-won digital safeguards.