Infringement by social networks of the fundamental right to freedom of expression

Question for written answer  E-000297/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Ioannis Lagos (NI), Ivan Vilibor Sinčić (NI)

The decision to block the Twitter account of outgoing US President Donald Trump was taken in such an arbitrary and high-handed manner as to give even German Chancellor Angela Merkel pause for thought. She also pointed out that decisions to restrict freedom of expression where necessary were a matter for the law and not private company policy. Europe is clearly concerned at the power of large social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to shape public discourse, while the risk of harsh censorship leading to digital dictatorship is more real than ever.

In view of this:

Will the Commission introduce stricter regulatory measures with a view to curtailing the sweeping powers of the social media and their arbitrary nature?

To what extent is the harsh censorship of social media posts democratic or even legal?