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Digital Services Act Sparks Debate Among Cypriot MEPs: Balancing Safety And Freedom Online

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.

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.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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