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Bundesnetzagentur Chief Defends EU Digital Services Act Against U.S. Pressure

He warns of EU penalties for noncompliance, calling the law a safeguard for free expression.

Overview

  • In an interview published Oct. 5, Klaus Müller said EU digital rules are “not negotiable” following threats from President Donald Trump.
  • Müller noted strained transatlantic ties as the FTC urged companies to ignore the DSA and Trump floated new tariffs against the EU.
  • Under the DSA, very large platforms must address systemic risks such as election manipulation and illegal content or face fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover.
  • Germany’s Bundesnetzagentur acts as the DSA coordinator, overseeing compliance, working with EU counterparts, and serving as a central contact point for user complaints.
  • Müller highlighted Trusted Flagger results from REspect!—2,634 cases sent to the BKA in the first half of 2025 with 83% deemed criminally relevant—and stressed that platforms make removal decisions with user appeal avenues in place.