Deep Dives: Inside the EU Censorship Machine

Welcome to Deep Dives, a new addition to the MCC Brussels podcast family. In Deep Dives, we let MCC Brussels’ esteemed researchers explain in detail their groundbreaking reports, thoughtfully exploring the insights and implications of their work. In our first episode, join MCC Brussels’ Jacob Reynolds for an eye-opening interview with Dr. Norman Lewis, author of a groundbreaking report on the EU’s approach to online speech. 📚✨ A deep dive into the package of laws, regulations, and agreements between EU institutions and Big Tech, aimed at controlling what 448 million Europeans can say online. The EU claims this is to protect democracy from hate speech and misinformation. But is that the whole story? Key points: - The EU’s restrictive measures might reflect an anti-democratic stance towards its citizens. - Are European citizens being protected from hate speech or silenced by elite prejudices? - The upcoming European Parliament elections could see a surge in national parties opposing centralised EU control. - The expanding censorship system is set to stifle open debate and challenge to EU orthodoxy. 👉 Report available here: 00:00 Welcome to Deep Dives 01:30 What is the impetus to control speech online? 05:38 Holocaust denial, the first hate speech crime. 07:40 Why 2016 was a deceive year for curbing free speech 10:59 “Hate speech“ and “Disinformation“ are never defined. 15:12 The role of NGOs. 18:53 No one is accountable. 20:36 Why do legislations never go through the courts? 23:10 Why does Big Tech go along with it? 24:57 The Digital Services Act: You can shut down anything. 29:13 Using AI as an excuse.