• Richter warnt: Meinungsfreiheit in der EU in akuter Gefahr

§Richter warnt: Meinungsfreiheit in der EU in akuter Gefahr

Source: https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/richter-warnt-meinungsfreiheit-in-der-eu-in-akuter-gefahr-li.2177580#

Translated and summerized by GPT4

§By Manfred Kölsch, Richter i.R.

§Key Points:

1. Introduction of DSA and DDG

   • The Digital Services Act (DSA) takes full effect in Germany on February 17, 2024.
   • The accompanying Digitale-Dienste-Gesetz (DDG) is criticized as a “Trojan horse” that masks an attack on constitutional order.

2. Potential for Censorship

   • The DSA permits deletion of content on large online platforms, even if not illegal.
   • Raises concerns about censorship of “harmful” or “misleading” opinions or information.

3. Vague Definitions and Social Consequences

   • “Disinformation” is vaguely defined, leading to ambiguity and potential misuse.
   • Legal entries might be labeled illegal, with social consequences for authors.

4. Self-Censorship and Erosion of Democratic Discourse

   • Risk of censorship may lead to self-censorship, aligning posts with political narratives.
   • This could stifle democratic debate and intellectual engagement.

5. Lack of Legal Clarity and Extended Suspicion

   • Criteria for content assessment lack necessary legal clarity.
   • Leads to preemptive censorship and overblocking by platforms due to fear of fines.

6. Surveillance and Control

   • The DSA establishes a Europe-wide surveillance bureaucracy.
   • Contradicts federalism principle and amplifies existing denunciation practices.

7. Undermining Freedom of Expression

   • The DSA hollows out the right to freedom of expression and information.
   • Contradicts guarantees by EU and national laws.

§Conclusion:

The article presents a critical perspective on the DSA and DDG, suggesting they threaten freedom of speech and democratic discourse in the European Union.