Paul Coleman discusses the paradox of censorship as a means to save democracy and the widening gap between European elites and citizens, amid increasing regulatory measures like the Digital Services Act in the EU.
At the sidelines of the Budapest Global Dialogue 2026, Paul Coleman, the Executive Director of the global advocacy organization ADF International, spoke about the state of freedom of expression in Europe and the implications of the Digital Services Act (DSA). He highlighted a growing disconnect between European elites and the general populace, arguing that the increasing dissatisfaction is met with greater control instead of self-criticism from those in power. This comment raises important questions about how democracy functions in times of dissent and disillusionment.
Coleman warned that Europe is at a critical juncture, where intensifying regulatory measures in the digital space, coupled with what he describes as a structural democratic deficit within the EU, are creating conditions that gradually stifle dissent. From both a legal and cultural standpoint, he pointed to a noticeable drift of Europe away from its foundational principles of freedom and individual rights. This situation is particularly concerning as it suggests that as the EU faces growing criticism, the response may skew toward censorship rather than engagement with the populace.
The implications of Coleman's assessment are significant, particularly for the future of democratic engagement in Europe. If the trend of increasing control and limiting freedom of expression continues, it may lead to a erosion of public trust and further exacerbate the divide between rulers and the ruled. Furthermore, as the legal frameworks such as the DSA are put into place, citizens and organizations advocating for freedom may find themselves in increasingly perilous positions, questioning whether the mechanisms intended to safeguard democracy are inadvertently undermining it instead.
