New EU-US tensions over European digital rules

Brussels – An accusation of a frontal attack on American companies operating in the digital sector, complete with a “proscription list” of all European officials who have worked and are working on files relating to digital services and the digital market in recent years. A 160-page document from the US Justice Committee discusses “censorship” of the internet by the European Union, which, on the one hand, renews US pressure on EU policies and, on the other hand, revives transatlantic tensions. 

“Due process requires that before publishing anything, the necessary time be taken to remove sensitive information, for companies and individuals alike. This is what the Commission always does, and this EU approach should be followed by both sides,” emphasises Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the European Commission, in what is an explicit criticism of the United States. 

This is not the first time that the Trump administration has taken direct action against EU regulations on the internet. During the summer, the US president made threats against the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the taxation of large web companies. Additional pressure was also exerted in the autumn. As these are US companies, the White House interprets them as anti-US measures, a narrative that has already prompted strong reactions from the EU, a stance Regnier is now (6 February) forced to repeat. 

“In Europe, there is the general principle that what is illegal in real life is also illegal online,” states the spokesperson, who clarifies: “When large platforms amplify a certain type of content in Europe, they are subject to obligations and become responsible.” Translated: there are rules, European rules, that must be respected. 

Therefore, relations between the European Union and the United States remain tense and have, in fact, worsened further. The publication of confidential documents has not been well received in Brussels, where the decision has been made to stand firm. The spokesperson confirmed that the EU executive has taken prompt action to protect its staff mentioned in the report drawn up in Washington. “Many names of officials working on this dossier have been made public. Let me reassure you that the Commission fully supports its staff and, under Article 24 of the Staff Regulations, has a duty and obligation to protect them in the performance of their duties. This could lead to providing them with legal and financial assistance, if and when necessary,” he said.