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CDT Europe’s Online Expression and Civic Space Programme

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An image of a phone, with notifications eminating off of it.

The internet and online platforms in particular have given individuals greater access to information, and the ability to participate in political processes, build communities and share knowledge. The European Union has enacted several laws which establish a legislative framework for intermediary services operating in the EU. In particular, online platforms which host user generated content must adhere to rules relating to content moderation, transparency and accountability. 

The Online Expression and Civic Space Programme advocates for the preservation of fundamental rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression and information, in the implementation and enforcement of policies dedicated to platform and content governance. We work with our partners to realise a safer, democratic and equitable online space for all. 

Issues & Topics

In the EU, the right to freedom of expression is subject to a set of restrictions, specifically hate speech and incitement to violence and hatred, which is established by extensive case law.  The team engages in advocacy in relation to any legislative or co-regulatory process that may have an impact on the freedom of expression and information, and freedom from discrimination. 

Alongside this, tackling online harms which may not fall into the realm of illegality is also a priority for the Programme. These include, but are not limited to; 

  • The impacts of platform business models and practices, such as content moderation on fundamental rights;
  • Forms of online harassment that chill free expression, especially for the historically marginalised;
  • The impact of addictive algorithms and products, especially for vulnerable groups;
  • The disproportionate proliferation of mis/disinformation and its impact on democratic participation and civic space;
  • The impact of the lack of transparency on industry practices/services that potentially contribute to societal harms.

Actions & Objectives

The Online Expression & Civic Space Programme therefore engages in the following:



  • Advocating to ensure that all legislative or voluntary frameworks include respect for these rights and freedoms and do not place these rights at risk.

  • Advocate to ensure that any attempts to limit free expression meet the international standards that have been set for the restriction of speech, specifically, the Rabat Plan of Action 6-part test.

  • Advance progress to ensure that platforms that host user-generated content or other relevant intermediary services respect their responsibility to ensure their products and services do not infringe on these rights.

Policy Priorities

  • Human rights centred enforcement of the Digital Services Act and the Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising.

  • Advocating for civil society to be adequately consulted in the enforcement of the DSA and in the development of secondary legislation.

  • Monitoring that forthcoming legislative initiatives such as the Digital Fairness Act and the European Democracy Shield adhere to the highest standard for protecting freedom of expression.

Relevant Legislative Files

  • Digital Service Act

  • European Democracy Action Plan

  • Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising

  • Directive on Combatting Violence against Women and Girls (Online GBV)

Meet the Team

 

David Klotsonis

Policy and Research Officer, CDT Europe



More about CDT’s work on the freedom of expression online.

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