Musk Derangement Syndrome: European Censors Warn They May Level Fines Based On All Of Elon's Businesses

European Union's Digital Services Act

There have been previous discussions about the European Union’s (EU) attempt to utilize its notorious Digital Services Act (DSA) to compel companies to censor Americans, including posts related to the presidential election. This is a direct attack on American free speech values, and yet the Biden-Harris Administration has not raised any objections. The EU is now threatening to impose these exorbitant fines based on revenue from companies other than the targeted one, including Space X.

EU's Warning to Musk

The EU has cautioned Musk that it has the authority to penalize online platforms with fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue for refusing to censor content, including “disinformation.” The inclusion of companies like Space X is absurd but aligns with the EU's attempt to use the DSA to regulate speech globally. The EU is arguing that as a “provider” Musk’s entire business portfolio can be included in the fine calculation.

Objections and Concerns

This is both absurd and alarming. Musk’s other companies have no connection with the platform policies of the targeted company. It is simply an extreme coercive measure designed to break Musk. The targeted company has objected, arguing that the combined market value of the Musk Group does not accurately reflect its monetization potential in the Union or its financial capacity. They argue that the services provided by the targeted company and SpaceX are entirely different for entirely different users, so there is no gateway effect, and that the undertakings controlled by Mr. Elon Musk ‘do not form one financial front, as the DMA presumes.'

EU's Intention

However, the abusive calculation is precisely the point. The EU censors are making an example of Musk. If they break, no company or executive could hope to defy them. They are being cheered on in this effort by an anti-free speech movement that includes American politicians and pundits.

Impact on Free Speech

One of the lowest moments came after Elon Musk bought Twitter on a pledge to restore free speech protections, a former democratic presidential nominee called upon European officials to force Elon Musk to censor American citizens under the DSA. This is a former democratic presidential nominee calling upon Europeans to force the censorship of Americans.

The DSA and Free Speech

There are writings about the DSA as one of the greatest assaults on free speech in history. Under the DSA, users are ’empowered to report illegal content online and online platforms will have to act quickly.’ This includes speech that is viewed not only as ‘disinformation’ but also ‘incitement.’ European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager has been one of the most prominent voices seeking international censorship. At the passage of the DSA, Vestager was ecstatic in declaring that it is ‘not a slogan anymore, that what is illegal offline should also be seen and dealt with as illegal online. Now it is a real thing. Democracy’s back.’”

Pressure on Musk's Other Companies

The pressure on Musk’s other companies has also been ramping up in the United States. Recently, the California Coastal Commission rejected a request from the Air Force for additional launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base. It is not because the military agency did not need the launches. It was not because the nation and the community would not benefit from them. Rather, it was reportedly because, according to one commissioner, Musk has “aggressively injected himself into the presidential race.”

Anti-Free Speech Advocates

Anti-free speech advocates are now going old school. After trying to convince Americans to embrace censorship and blacklisting, they are now praising governments like Brazil and the EU for directly imposed speech regulations on American citizens.

Where is the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress?

The question is where is the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress. You have a foreign government forcing the censorship of speech of American citizens. We routinely impose reciprocal trade barriers on countries for interfering with our markets. Yet, when a government seeks to curtail political speech in the United States, our leaders are silent.

Bottom Line

It's clear that the EU's use of the Digital Services Act to potentially impose fines on Elon Musk's businesses has sparked a significant debate about free speech and international censorship. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe that the EU's actions are justified or do they infringe upon the right to free speech? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.