Virkkunen emphasized that the Digital Services Act (DSA) is “content-agnostic” and clarified that neither Brussels nor national regulators have the authority to moderate content or enforce specific moderation policies. Regulations regarding unlawful speech or illegal content, such as child abuse material, are established separately under EU or national laws.
She argued that, rather than restricting speech, the DSA actually “guarantees” free expression by requiring platforms to be transparent about how they manage content.
In January, Jordan had raised concerns about the law, questioning how the DSA’s provisions on content moderation could impact free speech in the United States. He cautioned that, despite applying solely within the EU, the legislation might still influence or restrict Americans’ constitutionally protected speech.
However, Virkkunen firmly rejected this notion, stating that the DSA cannot be used to compel platforms to limit lawful speech in the U.S. or any other country.
“This is categorically not the case,” she said, underscoring that the law “applies exclusively within the European Union.”
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