Cypriot MEPs have highlighted the importance of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in creating a safer digital environment across the European Union. However, during a debate at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, they also raised concerns about potential risks to freedom of expression and unintended uses of the legislation.

DISY and EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas praised the Act as a vital step towards robust digital governance, protecting citizens from illegal content, misinformation, and online threats. However, he pointed out that differing views among EU Member States and MEPs illustrate the bloc’s fragmented external policy, which could hinder cohesive action.

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Similarly, Michalis Hadjipantela, also from DISY and the EPP, welcomed the Act’s balanced approach, which aims to safeguard users from harmful content while ensuring that smaller businesses are not overburdened. He emphasized its role in fostering a transparent and secure digital ecosystem that supports competition, particularly for SMEs and startups.

From a different perspective, AKEL and Left MEP Giorgos Georgiou criticized the European Commission’s lack of action against the exploitative practices of Big Tech companies. He argued that without addressing the business models of these platforms, which thrive on extreme content, the Act cannot fully tackle hate speech and misinformation. Georgiou called for greater digital sovereignty in Europe, suggesting the development of alternative public platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon to counter Big Tech’s dominance.

DIKO and Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEP Costas Mavrides underscored the nuanced nature of freedom of expression, noting that it must operate within the boundaries of EU legal frameworks. He dismissed criticism of restrictions on misinformation as hypocritical, especially from those who advocate for barriers against propaganda from authoritarian regimes.

Conversely, ELAM and European Conservatives and Reformists group MEP Geadis Geadi expressed concerns that the Act risks becoming a tool for censorship, threatening the very freedoms it seeks to protect. He argued for a reassessment of its implementation to ensure users’ rights remain intact.

Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou echoed these concerns, citing recent accusations by Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, owner of platform X, that the EU is institutionalizing censorship. Panayiotou warned against unfairly censoring posts under the guise of misinformation and proposed inviting the tech leaders to the European Parliament for discussions on content moderation practices.

The debate was notable for its high level of engagement, with around 150 MEPs participating—nearly three times the usual attendance. A pilot system was also trialed, where speakers were announced during the session rather than in advance, resulting in lively exchanges and increased interaction through blue cards and petitions.

As the Digital Services Act moves forward, the challenge will lie in striking the right balance between ensuring online safety and safeguarding fundamental freedoms, a debate that will undoubtedly shape the digital future of Europe.