[Digital Business Africa] – During his first appearance in Europe as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr did not mince words in warning Europe. His stance echoed that of JD Vance, who had made similar remarks weeks earlier at the AI Action Summit in Paris.
During his keynote at MWC25, Brendan Carr strongly criticized the European Commission’s Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that it poses a threat to freedom of expression.
This took place during Keynote 3, titled “Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Perspectives on Telecom Policy,” which featured speakers such as Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, and Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, India’s Minister of Communications.
Brendan Carr expressed concerns that the DSA’s regulatory framework could lead to excessive censorship, which he argued is incompatible with both U.S. free speech traditions and the commitments of U.S. tech companies operating in Europe.
“It’s a worry, I think, here for the people of Europe, but for US technology companies that do business here, the censorship that is potentially coming down the pipe from the DSA is something that is incompatible with both our free speech tradition in America and the commitments that these technology companies have made through diversity of opinions”, he stated.
Carr revealed that he has contacted U.S. tech companies subject to the DSA, seeking a strategy to avoid hefty fines while upholding American free speech principles.
He reaffirmed the Trump administration’s stance against protectionist regulations targeting U.S. companies, promising to ensure a level playing field. This commitment also extends to AI development, as recently emphasized by Vice President JD Vance.
“When it comes to US technology companies, if there is an urge in Europe to engage in protectionist regulation to give disparate treatment to US technology companies, the Trump administration has been clear that we’re going to speak up and defend the interests of US businesses,” declared the FCC Chairman.
On the domestic front, Carr outlined the FCC’s priorities, including deregulating the telecom sector and increasing spectrum availability. He emphasized the need to streamline state and local regulations that hinder network expansion, advocating for policies that encourage investment in new infrastructure rather than maintaining outdated networks.
Additionally, it was revealed that the FCC plans to auction off the AWS-3 spectrum, previously held by Huawei and ZTE, now deemed national security threats.
About Brendan Carr
Chairman Brendan Carr is the senior Republican at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), having previously served as the FCC’s General Counsel. Nominated by both President Trump and President Biden, Carr has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times.
Described by Axios as the “FCC’s 5G crusader,” Carr has led the FCC’s efforts to modernize infrastructure rules and accelerate the deployment of high-speed networks. His reforms have cut billions in bureaucratic red tape, encouraged private sector investment in high-speed networks across the country, and reinforced U.S. global leadership in 5G.
Chairman Carr is also focused on expanding America’s skilled workforce—tower climbers and construction crews needed to build next-generation networks. His jobs initiative promotes community colleges and apprenticeships as pathways to well-paying 5G jobs. He recognizes the talent of American tower crews through a series of “5G Ready” hard hat presentations.
Chairman Carr also spearheads a groundbreaking telehealth initiative at the FCC. The Connected Care Pilot Program supports the delivery of high-quality care to low-income Americans and veterans.
The time Chairman Carr spends outside Washington helps refine his approach to the job. He regularly travels to hear directly from community members and understand how changes in federal policies could improve their lives.
Chairman Carr brings nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors in communications and tech policy. Before joining the FCC as a staffer in 2012, he worked as an attorney at Wiley Rein LLP, specializing in appellate, litigation, and telecom practices.
Previously, he clerked at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit under Judge Dennis Shedd. After earning his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, Chairman Carr graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, where he served as an editor of the Catholic University Law Review.
By Beaugas ORAIN DJOYUM, and Mobile World Live
