US and EU battle over online censorship
Deutsche Welle
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US and EU are locked in a heated clash over online censorship, reflecting deep divides in their approaches to internet governance and free speech. While the EU has introduced strict regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA) to combat disinformation and hold tech giants accountable, the US views these measures as excessive censorship that stifles free expression. Sarah Rogers, a senior US official, has been at the forefront of criticizing the DSA, accusing it of targeting American businesses and suppressing speech flagged by left-wing groups. Meanwhile, the EU is grappling with its own challenges, including far-right content moderation and accusations of eroding free speech.
The conflict underscores broader geopolitical tensions between the two sides. The US is reportedly developing an online portal to bypass censorship in countries like Europe, allowing users to access banned content such as hate speech and terrorist propaganda. This initiative is seen by critics as a tool to weaponize free speech for political gain, particularly given Rogers' ties to far-right European parties and her promotion of anti-EU narratives on social media. Her actions have raised concerns among EU officials, who view this as an attempt to undermine their regulatory efforts and destabilize democratic norms.
The battle over online censorship is not just a technical issue but a cultural and ideological war. Both sides frame the debate through the lens of their values—freedom of speech versus digital rights and safety. The US positions itself as a defender of free expression, while the EU emphasizes the need for balanced regulation to protect citizens from harmful content. This clash has significant implications for global internet governance, with other nations watching closely to see how it unfolds.
Ultimately, this dispute highlights the challenges of reconciling differing values in an interconnected world. The US and EU must navigate these differences carefully to avoid escalating tensions that could harm international cooperation on critical issues like cybersecurity and digital rights. For readers interested in global politics and internet freedom, this conflict offers a window into the evolving landscape of online governance and its impact on democracy worldwide.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/21/2026