U.S. diplomats have been ordered to campaign against the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the law stifles free speech and imposes costs on American tech firms.
The directive, dated 4 August and seen by Reuters, instructs U.S. embassies across Europe to lobby national governments and regulators to repeal or amend the DSA, a landmark EU law requiring tech firms to tackle illegal online content such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material.
Signed by Secretary Rubio, the State Department cable describes the DSA as “undue” and a threat to free expression, particularly for American users and businesses. It also directs diplomats to report cases of censorship affecting U.S. citizens or companies.
“Posts should focus efforts to build host government and other stakeholder support to repeal and/or amend the DSA,” the cable said, citing concerns about overly broad definitions of “illegal content” and financial penalties.
The European Commission has rejected accusations of censorship and said the DSA is not under discussion in trade negotiations with Washington.
“Our legislation will not be changed. The DMA and the DSA are not on the table,” Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said in March.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have criticised the DSA publicly, claiming it suppresses conservative voices. In February, Vance met with Germany’s far-right AfD party and accused the EU of democratic backsliding.
The cable reflects a broader push by the Trump administration to export what it describes as “America’s free-speech tradition,” a stance that has caused friction with European allies.
Tech firms including Meta and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have also raised concerns about the DSA, with some calling its content moderation rules incompatible with U.S. free speech protections.
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The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead one day after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped under rubble and tens of thousands are unaccounted for, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
Another busy day is underway at the FIFA World Cup as Ivory Coast reached the knockouts for the first time. Ecuador stunned Germany, the Netherlands topped Group F, and Japan and Sweden advanced. Meanwhile, Türkiye shocked the USA and Australia drew with Paraguay to progress.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead one day after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped under rubble and tens of thousands are unaccounted for, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Power was fully or partly cut across the Russian-held part of Ukraine’s Kherson region early on Friday (26 June), according to the Moscow-installed governor Vladimir Saldo.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned Ukraine not to try to draw his country into the war, saying any such move would change the conflict "instantly".
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of its intention to sell more than $700 million worth of jet engines to Türkiye. The move drew objections from lawmakers over Ankara’s continued possession of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
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