FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized European tech regulations as “excessive” and at odds with U.S. values during the Mobile World Congress. He raised objections to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), claiming it could undermine free speech online. The tensions over tech regulation have been heightened by past U.S. tariffs threats and ongoing EU efforts to strengthen its digital market and competitiveness. Henna Virkkunen of the EU responded, emphasizing the bloc’s commitment to improve competitiveness and harmonize regulations.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr declared the U.S. intent to protect American technology companies from what he labeled as excessive European regulations. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Carr criticized the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), asserting that it conflicts with American values and inhibits free speech online, particularly in light of recent censorship trends exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carr emphasized a return to First Amendment principles, advocating for technology firms to curtail censorship practices witnessed in recent years. He underscored concerns that the DSA imposes unnecessarily strict regulations on free speech, echoing broader apprehensions expressed by U.S. officials regarding the impact of European tech regulations since previous international discussions.
In February 2021, President Trump directed potential tariffs against Europe to counter perceived extortion against American tech entities, stimulating a tense regulatory environment. The European Union counteracted by preparing to implement an anti-coercion instrument aimed at protecting member states from economic coercion, raising concerns for U.S. firms operating in Europe.
Carr warned that the impending regulations from the DSA threaten the diverse opinions that tech companies uphold, compromising both American tradition and operational integrity. Henna Virkkunen of the European Commission responded by reaffirming Europe’s dedication to enhancing technological competitiveness through revisiting regulatory frameworks and fostering a digital single market aimed at streamlining regulations across EU tech and telecom sectors. To this end, previous recommendations for extensive reforms have been proposed to boost productivity and economic growth in comparison to major counterparts like the U.S. and China.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
