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EU is fully enforcing social media rules, says digital chief

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 25, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 27, 2026

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EU Digital Chief Henna Virkkunen discusses social media rules enforcement - Global Banking & Finance Review
Featured image of EU Digital Chief Henna Virkkunen announcing the full enforcement of social media regulations under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, ensuring compliance among major tech firms.
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BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will fully enforce its rules governing social media and other large online platforms and has not delayed any cases against U.S. Big Tech, the EU digital

EU Digital Chief Confirms Full Enforcement of Social Media Regulations

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will fully enforce its rules governing social media and other large online platforms and has not delayed any cases against U.S. Big Tech, the EU digital chief said on Wednesday.

"There haven't been any delays," Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen told reporters, referring to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which imposes antitrust obligations and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which covers content moderation.

Virkkunen said she had seen reports that the EU was delaying investigations, such as into Apple, Meta and Google , but said the probes were still in a technical phase, which includes exchanges with companies, before decisions could be taken.

"We are fully enforcing the DMA and the DSA," she said.

Virkkunen said the two acts were very powerful tools applying to all companies, including European companies, operating services in the European Union to ensure a fair and safe online environment for all.

She also said the DSA was protecting, rather than limiting, freedom of speech.

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg said last week, while announcing Meta had scrapped U.S. fact-checking programs, that Europe had an ever increasing number of laws "institutionalising censorship".

Zuckerberg also called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who starts his second term on Monday, to stop the EU from fining U.S. tech firms.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop and Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • The EU is enforcing rules on social media and online platforms.
  • No delays in cases against U.S. Big Tech, says EU digital chief.
  • Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act are key tools.
  • The DSA protects freedom of speech, not limits it.
  • Meta's Zuckerberg criticizes EU's increasing regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the EU digital chief say about enforcement delays?
Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen stated that there haven't been any delays in enforcing the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.
What are the main acts being enforced by the EU?
The main acts being enforced are the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which impose antitrust obligations and ensure a fair online environment.
How does the DSA relate to freedom of speech?
Virkkunen emphasized that the DSA is designed to protect freedom of speech rather than limit it, countering claims of censorship.
What did Mark Zuckerberg say regarding EU regulations?
Mark Zuckerberg criticized the increasing number of EU laws, suggesting they institutionalize censorship and called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to intervene.
Are the investigations into U.S. tech firms still ongoing?
Yes, the investigations into companies like Apple, Meta, and Google are still in a technical phase, which includes exchanges with companies, according to Virkkunen.

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