### Richter warnt: Meinungsfreiheit in der EU in akuter Gefahr
> Translated and summerized by GPT4
#### By Manfred Kölsch, Richter i.R.
#### Key Points:
1. **Introduction of DSA and DDG**
- The Digital Services Act (DSA) takes full effect in Germany on February 17, 2024.
- The accompanying Digitale-Dienste-Gesetz (DDG) is criticized as a "Trojan horse" that masks an attack on constitutional order.
2. **Potential for Censorship**
- The DSA permits deletion of content on large online platforms, even if not illegal.
- Raises concerns about censorship of "harmful" or "misleading" opinions or information.
3. **Vague Definitions and Social Consequences**
- "Disinformation" is vaguely defined, leading to ambiguity and potential misuse.
- Legal entries might be labeled illegal, with social consequences for authors.
4. **Self-Censorship and Erosion of Democratic Discourse**
- Risk of censorship may lead to self-censorship, aligning posts with political narratives.
- This could stifle democratic debate and intellectual engagement.
5. **Lack of Legal Clarity and Extended Suspicion**
- Criteria for content assessment lack necessary legal clarity.
- Leads to preemptive censorship and overblocking by platforms due to fear of fines.
6. **Surveillance and Control**
- The DSA establishes a Europe-wide surveillance bureaucracy.
- Contradicts federalism principle and amplifies existing denunciation practices.
7. **Undermining Freedom of Expression**
- The DSA hollows out the right to freedom of expression and information.
- Contradicts guarantees by EU and national laws.
#### Conclusion:
The article presents a critical perspective on the DSA and DDG, suggesting they threaten freedom of speech and democratic discourse in the European Union.
