Farewell to “facts”: the change begins
Mark Zuckerberg’s decision makes high waves: Facebook and Instagram do without “facts” in the United States and thus open up a new room for public debates. A step that is long overdue according to the MFG. For the party, which is consistently committed to freedom of expression, it remains clear: this change of course must also arrive in Europe. Instead of suffocating debates through ever stricter rules such as the Digital Services Act, it is time to promote the variety of opinion.
An overdue correction
The free debate lives from a variety of perspectives – a good that has been severely restricted by censorship measures in recent years. Freedom of expression must not depend on whether content meets the subjective exams of certain institutions or harmonize with the prevailing political beliefs. People want to decide for themselves what content they read and what opinions they share.
“Democracy lives from free and self-determined citizens, not from patronizing by so-called truth guardians,” explains LAbg. Joachim Aigner, MfG-Austria federal party chairman. Zuckerberg’s decision shows how strong the public pressure on digital platforms is – a clear signal that porating reaches its limits.
Review: The teachings from the Corona crisis
Zuckerberg’s change in course also makes dark chapters think of the recent past. During the Corona crisis, Europe experienced an unprecedented restriction of freedom of expression. Critics were systematically defamed as a “conspiracy theorist”, while platforms and state authorities suppressed deviating views.
“The measures of the Corona period have shown how quickly critical voices can be silenced. The fact that Zuckerberg now takes part of this censorship proves that this path is not durable. But symbol policy alone is not enough, ”emphasizes LAbg. Manuel Krautgartner, MfG-OÖ club chairman.
Europe in the dead end?
While freedom of expression is slowly getting room for in the United States, Europe is relying on ever stricter regulations. The Digital Services Act could force platform operators to monitor content even more intensively, which could lead to a close opinion corridor. The MFG sees this development critically.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of our democracy. It must not be sacrificed to the interests of large corporations or bureaucrats. Austria has to courageously go ahead and set a clear signal, ”demands Aigner.
MFG: An appeal to Austria and Europe
The decision from the USA is a wake -up call. The MFG sees this not only to question cension mechanisms, but to actively push back. It is about creating an environment in Europe, in which discussions and different opinions are not only tolerated, but promoted.
The path is clear: less censorship, more trust in the citizens. Platforms must not become tools of political interests – neither in Europe nor anywhere else. Freedom of expression means allowing uncomfortable and controversial positions. Austria could play a pioneering role here and show the EU that freedom and diversity are stronger than anger.