The European Commission has even conducted “stress tests” to ensure that platforms like Telegram comply with these regulations, with companies facing fines of up to 6% of their worldwide revenue if deemed non-compliant.
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, has been at the forefront of enforcing these regulations.
His recent threat to Elon Musk, warning of formal proceedings under the DSA related to illegal content on X.com, underscores the European Union’s aggressive stance on digital regulation.
Durov’s arrest has sparked a debate about the balance between digital regulation and free speech. Critics argue that Europe’s regulatory framework is being used as a tool to stifle dissent and control online discourse. American conservatives, in particular, are concerned that Durov’s arrest may be a precursor to broader internet censorship, with tacit approval from the Biden Administration. And there are definite implications for free speech.
So far, the White House has not commented. But Elon Musk among others is encouraging European authorities to free the Telegram CEO.
