The European Union was founded on the principles of shared economic prosperity and the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression. Index on Censorship, established in 1972, has been a staunch ally in upholding these principles. Initially, our mission focused on smuggling dissident material out of the former Soviet Union, publishing it, and then smuggling it back in.

However, the landscape has dramatically changed with the advent of new technologies, presenting new challenges for the preservation and promotion of free speech.

In today’s digital era, we face a different set of obstacles in our quest to safeguard freedom of speech. Technological advancements have provided us with greater accountability and scrutiny over decision-makers and politicians. Platforms now enable millions of individuals to engage with the click of a button, allowing anyone with a viewpoint to reach entire continents before they finish their morning coffee.

Undoubtedly, this simplicity also brings forth threats. False information can flood into otherwise thoughtful debates, conspiracy theories can spread rapidly, and foreign interference in elections has become a well-documented concern. Balancing the fundamental principles of free speech and expression with the regulation of technology, platforms, and content to promote fairness and safety presents a significant challenge.

At the moment, the European Union is striving to address this challenge during the trilogue discussions on EU Political Advertising regulations.

On the surface, it appears to be a thoughtful attempt to introduce transparency, scrutiny, and accountability into the digital systems that are now deeply intertwined with our political processes.

However, the current proposals, aimed at encompassing all aspects of digital political engagement, risk unintended consequences that could undermine freedom of speech.