Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish grandmother and member of parliament, is set to appear before her country’s Supreme Court on October 30. Her legal troubles began in 2019 after she shared a Bible verse on social media. This action led to intense scrutiny, including a lengthy police interrogation and multiple trials, all stemming from her criticism of her church’s support for Helsinki Pride.
Räsänen’s case highlights a growing issue of censorship in Europe, particularly under the European Union’s new online regulations. The Digital Services Act (DSA), designed to create a safer online environment, has raised concerns about free speech. The law requires major platforms like Facebook and Google to remove “illegal content” or face hefty fines, which can reach up to 6% of their global revenue. This creates a strong incentive for these companies to over-censor content to avoid penalties.
What qualifies as “illegal” content varies across the EU’s 27 member states. This means that a vague definition of “hate speech” in one country could lead to content being removed globally, affecting users far beyond Europe. The DSA also gives power to “trusted flaggers,” which can include activist groups and regulators, to demand the removal of content. This system could lead platforms to take down lawful speech to avoid potential issues.
Räsänen’s situation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unclear speech laws. Her case illustrates how peaceful expressions can be treated as criminal acts. The DSA could set a precedent that extends beyond Europe, potentially impacting free speech worldwide. Critics warn that if the EU’s model of censorship takes hold, authoritarian regimes might adopt similar practices, using it as justification for their own crackdowns on free speech.
In the U.S., lawmakers are already expressing concerns about the DSA’s implications for constitutionally protected speech. Some officials have indicated that the EU might even try to censor American political figures under this law. The stakes are high, as the DSA could reshape the landscape of online expression, making it crucial for those who value free speech to oppose such measures.
Räsänen’s trial is a stark reminder of the risks involved when governments attempt to control speech. Her courage in standing up for her beliefs underscores the importance of protecting freedom of expression, not just in Finland, but globally.
