Summary
Linz-based Catholic Church commentator Roland Noé has expressed concerns about the EU’s increasing control over freedom, specifically regarding social media use among young people. Noé claims that recent calls for a ban on social media platforms for minors in countries like Spain and Australia are not primarily aimed at protecting children but rather at controlling them more effectively. He argues this could lead to all internet users needing government-issued IDs, allowing authorities to monitor online activities and opinions. Zara Riffler from X supports Noé’s views, stating that such policies indirectly threaten freedom of speech by restricting anonymity for criticism of the state or politicians. In response, parents have long implemented controls on social media use among children through various means like parental control software and limiting internet access times. However, Roland Noé suggests these measures are insufficient in addressing concerns about young people being influenced by dissenting opinions. He further criticizes EU policies that have pressured tech companies to suppress controversial debates, highlighting the European Commission’s role as both prosecutor and judge for the Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines. The DSA could potentially ban social media features that undermine user choices, including their beliefs and judgments about account authenticity.
Key Topics
EU expansion, Social media control, Youth surveillance
