U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a firm stance against Europe’s new digital regulations, sending a clear message: the United States will defend its tech giants by all means necessary. Rubio ordered American diplomats across Europe to actively oppose the Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that it restricts freedom of speech and unfairly targets American companies.

Secret Directive, Public Showdown

According to a document obtained by Reuters, Rubio signed a directive on August 4 instructing U.S. embassies in EU member states to take action against the DSA. Diplomats have been told to reach out to European officials and push for amendments—or even repeal—of certain provisions. Washington argues the legislation imposes excessive content restrictions and burdens tech firms with costly compliance.

DSA Under Fire from Washington

The DSA, enacted by the EU earlier this year, aims to tighten oversight of large online platforms, particularly regarding hate speech, misinformation, and illegal content, including child abuse material. However, the U.S. believes the law’s definition of “illegal content” is too broad and threatens political and religious speech.

Rubio seeks to narrow these definitions, reduce heavy penalties for non-compliance, and challenges the role of “trusted flaggers” — groups authorized to report problematic content directly to platforms. Washington also suggests abolishing the Code of Practice on Disinformation, a framework under the DSA which it sees as enabling excessive censorship.

U.S. Diplomats Given Clear Instructions

The directive tasks embassies in all 27 EU member states with building support among local governments and stakeholders for either revising or scrapping the DSA. Diplomats are also instructed to monitor so-called “censorship incidents,” including arrests, lawsuits, or online suspensions involving U.S. citizens or companies.

The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the report. The office of EU Commissioner for Technology Henna Virkkunen also did not immediately respond.

Trump Doctrine: Free Speech First

Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly stated they want an internet free from censorship. According to the U.S., the DSA directly contradicts the First Amendment. In March, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission claimed the law violates American constitutional traditions. Vice President J.D. Vance accused the EU of suppressing right-wing voices, including Germany’s AfD, prompting strong criticism from European leaders.

Rubio has gone even further—introducing visa bans in May for foreign officials accused of “censoring” Americans online. He also hinted that regulatory bodies targeting U.S. companies may face consequences.

U.S. Tech Giants Fear Censorship

Washington’s stance is backed by major American platforms. Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) warned that the DSA could easily slide into censorship. Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has also criticized EU content moderation policies.

While companies like Alphabet (Google) and Amazon have remained relatively quiet, it’s widely believed they are also significantly impacted by the DSA’s strict requirements.

Europe Refuses to Back Down

The European Commission is holding firm. Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier previously stated that the DSA and DMA legislation are not part of trade negotiations with the United States. According to the EU, the laws are not aimed specifically at American firms but are necessary to ensure digital safety, transparency, and platform accountability.

Whether Washington’s diplomatic pressure will move EU capitals remains uncertain. However, this marks a rare and public transatlantic clash over how to govern the online world—one that could shape the future of global tech regulation for years to come.


#ElonMusk , #TechPolicy , #Eu , #Regulation , #TRUMP

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