POLICY BRIEF

“How the Digital Services Act is Rewiring Free Speech & Enforcement in Real Time”

15 OCTOBER, 2025

“How the Digital Services Act is Rewiring Free Speech & Enforcement in Real Time”

By Margherita Potito, ELGU Alumna

The Digital Services Act (DSA), in force since November 2022, represents an important regulatory instrument for online platforms in the European scenario. This policy brief aims to show how the DSA acts, its first application and the complex challenges it poses, particularly with regard to freedom of expression, business resilience and geopolitical consequences. By giving the EU the power to act swiftly during a crisis, the DSA challenges the balance between security and rights, stimulating democratic scrutiny but also raising concerns about its international influence and potential abuse by authoritarian regimes.

 How the Digital Services Act is Rewiring Free Speech & Enforcement in Real Time1

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