The Trump administration is contemplating sanctions against European Union officials responsible for the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This step is driven by accusations of censoring American voices and imposing significant costs on U.S. tech companies.
Reasons for the sanctions against the EU
The sanctions are linked to complaints claiming that the DSA limits freedom of expression and imposes undue requirements on American tech giants. According to Reuters, senior State Department officials have yet to make a final decision on whether to implement these sanctions.
Potential consequences for relations
If sanctions are enacted, it will significantly affect the already strained relationships between the US and the EU. Previously, the US expressed intentions to lobby against the DSA to create opposition.
An internal State Department cable stated that in early August, diplomats were instructed to communicate US concerns regarding the financial impacts of the DSA on American companies.
Issues with digital sovereignty
American tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon provide 70% of Europe’s cloud infrastructure. Concerns are rising over the potential consequences for critical infrastructure if relations worsen.
Digital governance specialist Robin Berjon emphasizes the importance of discussing the threat posed by a so-called 'kill switch' should US-EU relations continue to deteriorate.
The intentions of the US to impose sanctions on EU officials highlight the tension in transatlantic relations and the relevance of digital sovereignty issues, which raises concerns among European policymakers.
