The ‘Save Social – Networks For Democracy’ initiative describes the US sanctions against the civil society organisation ‘Hate Aid’ and its directors as an attack on democracy.
Now is the time to enforce European rules and stand up to the USA’s unacceptable behaviour!
We stand in strong solidarity with Hate Aid, its management and the other individuals affected by the sanctions, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Hate Aid plays a crucial role in removing illegal content, such as death threats and anti-Semitic incitement to hatred, from US social media platforms in Europe. Social media platforms are required by law to comply with European legislation.
Backed by major tech companies, the US government has been trying to prevent this for some time.
The Digital Services Act explicitly provides for the role of so-called ‘trusted flaggers’. Those who undertake tasks vital to our democracy therefore deserve our unreserved support and solidarity against external attacks.
Voices from the coalition
The author Marc-Uwe Kling, one of the supporters of Save Social, adds:
It is absurd and dangerous to sanction people simply for standing up for our democracy. The US’s actions are not only directed against individuals and organisations, but against our democracy itself.
Democracy and freedom must never be taken for granted. They depend on people and organisations, such as HateAid, that work tirelessly to uphold them. The US’s actions are intended to intimidate these individuals and organisations. We must stand up to this with determination.
The US sanctions against Hate Aid show that the European Commission must urgently propose a draft regulation to strengthen anti-sanctions measures, in order to protect civil society and democracy advocates in Europe from such attacks. This should also make it so that companies imposing sanctions are subject to EU sanctions themselves.
The spread of online hate is a major issue in the digital age. Criminalising those who oppose it would be profoundly undemocratic and authoritarian.
Like many civil society organisations, Save Social also has its account with GLS Bank. Managing Director and co-founder Björn Staschen:
We now expect GLS Bank to show solidarity with all organisations that promote democracy. Together with other banks, it should call on the European Commission to impose counter-sanctions rather than implementing the unacceptable US sanctions.
Press Contact
For enquiries:
- Björn Staschen presse@savesocial.eu
