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EU’s Digital Regulations Under Fire from US Leaders and Big Tech Giants

By  |  January 28, 2025

The European Union is grappling with mounting criticism of its digital regulations, with prominent figures such as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg spearheading opposition. These laws, designed to regulate Europe’s digital landscape, have drawn sharp criticism for their focus on American tech giants, including Apple, Google, and Facebook, which have incurred substantial fines in recent years.

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    According to Le Monde, the conflict escalated as Mark Zuckerberg joined forces with Trump, aligning Meta’s stance with the President-elect’s efforts to counter European regulatory policies. Zuckerberg has been vocal about his disapproval of the EU’s approach, particularly its hefty fines on U.S.-based technology firms, which he described as resembling “tariffs under another name.”

    Elon Musk has also entered the fray, echoing concerns over what he perceives as “censorship” and engaging in broader political discussions across Europe. Musk’s involvement has extended beyond criticism of EU regulations, as he has openly supported far-right political movements in countries like Germany and the UK, Le Monde reports.

    Read more: Trump Criticizes EU’s Tech Crackdown, Calls It ‘A Form of Taxation’

    This growing alliance between American political and technological forces has alarmed European officials. Some EU diplomats have expressed concerns about the potential influence of these powerful players, particularly the combination of their vast technological resources and ideological agendas, on public discourse.

    The situation gained further traction on January 10, when Zuckerberg appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, hosted by a staunch Trump supporter. During the interview, Zuckerberg claimed that the EU had imposed “more than $30 billion” in fines on American Big Tech over the past two decades. He also expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to “defend” the interests of these companies.

    Despite the heated criticism, the EU Commission has largely maintained a reserved stance. However, Le Monde notes that the European Parliament is expected to convene discussions addressing Musk’s influence and the broader implications for the future of digital regulation within the EU.

    Source: Le Monde