House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has issued a stark warning, asserting that recent actions by the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to control digital speech bear an alarming resemblance to the Biden administration’s own contentious efforts to pressure tech platforms into censorship. This concerning trend, Jordan argues, constitutes a “direct attack” on fundamental free speech rights and carries significant implications for global liberties.
Jordan conveyed these grave concerns to Breitbart News immediately upon returning from a bipartisan delegation to Europe. During the trip, he spearheaded discussions with officials across the Continent and the British Isles, gaining firsthand insights into the legislative landscape that he believes increasingly stifles free expression and undermines the principles of open discourse.
The Ohio congressman provided a concrete example by highlighting the UK’s attempts to suppress criticism of immigration during large-scale riots in August 2024. He detailed how prominent figures like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle allegedly sought to silence those who publicly questioned the UK’s perceived “two-tier justice system,” revealing a disturbing precedent for digital censorship.
In his interview, Jordan emphatically characterized these governmental actions as a “direct attack on free speech,” emphasizing their “chilling effect” on public discourse. He stressed that the delegation’s findings did not alleviate his anxieties; instead, they significantly strengthened his conviction regarding the profound impact these policies could have on Americans’ First Amendment liberties.
Jordan drew a potent parallel between the UK and EU’s pressure on tech platforms and the Biden administration’s documented efforts to influence content moderation. He referenced past investigations by the House Judiciary Committee that uncovered instances where the Biden administration allegedly pressured companies like Meta to censor diverse content, including videos from Tucker Carlson, information about the coronavirus pandemic, and even books deemed “critical of big pharma.”
Adding another layer of concern, Jordan revealed that the very tech companies previously subjected to US governmental pressure are now approaching the Judiciary Committee. These platforms are expressing alarm over the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Acts in the EU, along with Britain’s Online Safety Act, citing how these international policies are not only impacting their business operations but also raising fundamental First Amendment concerns.
In response to these escalating threats to free speech, Jordan confirmed that the Judiciary Committee plans to counter with robust legislative measures. This includes potential legislation such as the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Government Censorship Act,” sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa, which aims to render foreign officials involved in First Amendment violations inadmissible or deportable. Such initiatives underscore a commitment to increased congressional oversight in this critical area.
Despite the challenges posed by legislation like the Online Safety Act in the UK, Jordan noted a discernible shift in public sentiment and media landscape. He praised GB News for its willingness to openly discuss contentious issues like immigration and censorship, highlighting its recent surge in popularity to become the number one news program in July, signaling a demand for uncensored perspectives.
Concluding his remarks, Jordan expressed confidence in the Judiciary Committee’s long-standing focus on overseeing government censors. He believes their diligent work has profoundly and positively reshaped the landscape of free speech in the United States, fostering greater respect for First Amendment rights. The committee now harbors hopes of extending this impactful influence to Europe, safeguarding American liberties against overseas digital censorship tactics.
