During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned Foreign Secretary David Lammy against pursuing what he described as a "very dark path" of limiting free speech. This warning comes as the U.S. State Department released its latest human rights report, which highlighted serious restrictions on freedom of expression in several European nations, including France, Germany, and the U.K. The report also noted a rise in antisemitic violence across the continent.

While the U.S. has a long-standing commitment to protecting free speech, the focus on Europe’s restrictive laws may seem surprising at first. However, the continent's reliance on American technology and its regulatory power over it poses a threat to global freedom of expression. During his meeting with Lammy, Vance maintained a measured tone, suggesting that the West, including previous U.S. administrations, has become "a little too comfortable with censoring rather than engaging with a diverse array of opinions."

In February, Vance expressed more pointed concerns, stating that while the U.K. can govern its own affairs, restrictions on free speech have implications for American technology companies and, by extension, American citizens. His remarks drew immediate criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Vance's views align with those of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which has been vocal about the U.K.'s increasing censorship. FIRE advocates for alternatives to censorship, emphasizing the importance of "more speech" as a solution.

FIRE Senior Scholar Sarah McLaughlin remarked that recent restrictions on speech, particularly online, in the U.K. and Germany are alarming. Jacob Mchangama, head of The Future of Free Speech think tank, noted that free speech in Europe has been declining for years without significant public outcry or concern about democratic backsliding. He described the situation as a state of "Censorship Denial."

Yascha Mounk, an international studies professor at Johns Hopkins University, echoed these sentiments, stating that Germany's speech limitations are shockingly restrictive by American standards and that the situation is worsening. He expressed similar worries about the U.K.

Vance's comments highlight the impact of British censorship on American companies and citizens, shedding light on why the U.S. government is scrutinizing policies in Europe, which is generally seen as a bastion of democracy. Despite Europe's reputation for producing regulations, it has struggled with entrepreneurship and innovation. In response, European governments and the European Union have begun to recognize the need for reform. The European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass aims to simplify regulations and foster a supportive environment for startups.

A recent report from Swiss company Proton underscores Europe’s heavy reliance on American technology, revealing that three-quarters of publicly listed European companies depend on U.S.-based tech firms. This dependency raises concerns about the implications of European governments' regulatory decisions on both local and international levels.