FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defends U.S. tech companies against European regulations, criticizing the EU’s Digital Services Act for being excessive and incompatible with American values. Carr emphasizes the importance of free speech and highlights concerns over censorship that may arise from strict regulations. European officials responded by reaffirming commitments to boost technological competitiveness and regulatory harmonization, indicating ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Europe in tech regulation.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr expressed strong support for U.S. technology firms regarding European regulations at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. He criticized the European Union’s regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act, labeling them as “excessive” and misaligned with American values, while advocating for a more balanced regulatory environment. Carr emphasized a return to First Amendment principles, arguing that freedom of speech has diminished, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He remarked on the need for U.S. tech companies to resist censorship, reflecting government consensus in promoting free expression. Carr raised concerns over the Digital Services Act’s potential to impose stringent rules that threaten free speech, a sentiment echoed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance at a recent AI summit in Paris, highlighting the burdens placed on American tech firms by European regulations.
The U.S. administration has also threatened to implement tariffs to protect its tech companies from perceived European economic coercion. In contrast, the European Commission’s Henna Virkkunen emphasized Europe’s commitment to enhancing technological competitiveness and regulatory harmonization, pledging to revamp tech rules within the bloc to foster innovation. The stark differences in regulatory approaches reflect ongoing tensions between U.S. and European tech policies, initiated by concerns from both sides.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s remarks underscore the U.S. commitment to defending its technology industry against what it perceives as excessive European regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act. The ongoing regulatory dispute reflects broader concerns about free speech and economic competitiveness, emphasizing the need for balanced regulations that support both innovation and expression. As Europe seeks to enhance its tech landscape, tensions are likely to continue as regulatory frameworks evolve.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
