Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation: Part II

The House Judiciary GOP held a hearing titled "Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation: Part II" on February 5, 2026, focusing on concerns about European regulations, particularly the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), impacting American free speech and innovation. Witnesses testified about European censorship laws affecting U.S. companies and individuals, including cases of criminal charges in Europe for speech protected under the U.S. First Amendment. The hearing also featured contrasting views on domestic issues, with Democratic members highlighting alleged abuses by U.S. immigration enforcement agencies infringing on First Amendment rights, including violent incidents and suppression of protests. The discussion underscored tensions between protecting free speech from foreign regulatory overreach and addressing civil rights concerns within the U.S., emphasizing the global implications of digital content moderation and the need for legislative action to safeguard American speech rights.