Trump Ally Criticizes European Online Safety Laws as Threat to Free Speech

Jim Jordan, a prominent U.S. lawmaker and ally of former President Donald Trump, has raised serious concerns about new European online safety laws, stating they may infringe on the free speech rights of Americans. During a press briefing in London on March 15, 2024, Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, asserted that discussions held during his recent bipartisan delegation to Europe did not alleviate his worries about the potential impact of these regulations.

Jordan emphasized that the committee intends to report back to the Trump administration following their return to Washington. He stated, “We’ll take the opportunity to fill them in on our week and the discussions we had and how that supports what I believe the White House already fully, fully understands.”

In his briefing, he also questioned Peter Kyle, the U.K. Technology Secretary, regarding communications between the British government and social media platforms during last summer’s riots in England. Jordan accused the U.K. government of attempting to censor discussions surrounding “two-tier policing” by urging platforms to closely monitor such content.

“I don’t know that we got a satisfactory answer [from Kyle],” he remarked. “The chilling impact is every bit as real as the direct when it comes to speech.”

Jordan’s comments come in the wake of remarks from Preston Byrne, managing partner at the U.S.-based tech law firm Byrne & Storm. Byrne informed POLITICO that multiple American websites have engaged him to pursue legal action against the U.K.’s telecoms regulator, Ofcom, over concerns related to free speech. He stated, “We will also be seeking a declaratory judgment from a federal court that confirms, in writing, the indisputably correct legal position that the Online Safety Act is null and void in the United States.”

Byrne expressed optimism that a ruling could clarify the legal landscape for numerous American companies that have not yet been targeted by Ofcom but could be in the future. He mentioned that he has been sharing relevant Ofcom documents with staffers on the House Judiciary Committee but clarified that the communication was largely one-way and not a direct collaboration with Jordan.

An Ofcom spokesperson responded to the concerns raised, stating that the new regulations require technology firms to tackle criminal content and prevent children from accessing certain harmful materials. The spokesperson added, “There is no requirement on them to restrict legal content for adult users. In fact, they must carefully consider how they protect users’ rights to freedom of expression while keeping people safe.”

As discussions continue, the implications of the Online Safety Act remain a contentious topic, particularly regarding its potential effects on free speech across borders. Jordan’s remarks highlight the growing tension between U.S. lawmakers and European regulatory efforts aimed at ensuring online safety.