The European Union aims to establish a safer digital environment, particularly on social media, by implementing stronger regulations. While the majority in Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies supported the Digital Services Act (DSA) on Wednesday morning, the opposition centred its argument on concerns about freedom of speech.
As the DSA seeks to standardise digital regulations across the EU – ensuring online safety and accountability – Democratic Party (DP) MP Lex Delles defended the bill, emphasising the need to ensure that the internet is not a lawless space.
However, Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) MP Tom Weidig opposed the measure, arguing that it infringes on free speech: “The DSA undermines freedom of speech, which is guaranteed by the constitution. It is an attempt by the political class in Europe to monitor and control the thoughts of its citizens. That’s why it’s a bad idea. Long live freedom of speech – we vote against it.”
Other MPs distinguished between freedom of expression and disinformation, stressing that misinformation should not be tolerated. MP Marc Baum (Déi Lénk) illustrated his stance as follows: “Two plus two is four – that’s not freedom of speech, it’s a fact. And when someone claims that two plus two is five, it’s not freedom of speech either – it’s just nonsense.”
Under the new law, Luxembourg’s Competition Authority will monitor national digital platforms and collaborate with EU-wide DSA coordinators. For large platforms with over 45 million users, the European Commission will directly enforce content regulations.
Smaller platforms, however, will be subject to less stringent rules and will be supervised by national regulators, with Luxembourg’s Competition Authority taking on this role.
The bill passed with 55 votes in favour and five against, with all opposition coming from the ADR faction.
