This scholarly review examines "Censorship and the Crisis of European Democracy – A Philosophical, Historical, and Empirical Inquiry into Pseudo-Liberalism and the Digital Services Act" by Marcello Ferrada de Noli. The book, published by Libertarian Books Europe in 2025, offers a critical analysis of contemporary censorship, particularly in the context of the Digital Services Act (DSA), and its implications for European democracy.

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1. What is the book about?

The book "Censorship and the Crisis of European Democracy" by Marcello Ferrada de Noli is a comprehensive inquiry into the erosion of free speech and democratic principles in Europe, particularly through the lens of censorship and the Digital Services Act (DSA). It critically examines the historical, philosophical, and empirical dimensions of these issues, arguing that a form of "pseudo-liberalism" is undermining classical liberal values. The author posits that the DSA, despite its stated goals, contributes to a system of censorship that disproportionately affects dissenting voices and challenges the foundations of democratic discourse. The book delves into the theoretical underpinnings of free speech, traces its historical trajectory, and presents empirical evidence to support its claims regarding the current state of censorship in Europe. It also distinguishes between classical liberalism, pseudo-liberalism, and the pseudo-left in their approaches to democracy and free speech, ultimately advocating for a robust defense of uncensored expression as essential for a functioning democracy [1].

2. How does the author connect "democracy" and "freedom of speech" in a) historical, b) philosophical perspective?

a) Historical Perspective: Ferrada de Noli connects democracy and freedom of speech historically by tracing the evolution of these concepts from ancient Greece to the Enlightenment and beyond. He argues that the historical development of democratic societies has been intrinsically linked to the expansion and protection of free expression. The author highlights periods where limitations on speech were challenged and overcome, leading to greater democratic participation and the flourishing of diverse ideas. He emphasizes that historical struggles for democracy often involved battles against censorship and for the right to dissent, viewing these as foundational to the establishment of representative governments. The book likely draws on examples such as the printing press revolution, the American and French Revolutions, and the civil rights movements to illustrate how the demand for free speech has consistently accompanied the push for more inclusive and democratic political systems [2].

b) Philosophical Perspective: Philosophically, Ferrada de Noli establishes a strong link between democracy and freedom of speech by arguing that unrestricted expression is a necessary condition for genuine democratic deliberation and the formation of informed public opinion. He likely draws upon classical liberal thinkers such as John Stuart Mill, who argued for the "marketplace of ideas" where truth emerges from the free exchange of diverse viewpoints [3]. The author contends that without freedom of speech, citizens cannot effectively participate in political processes, hold their leaders accountable, or challenge prevailing narratives. He suggests that censorship, regardless of its stated intentions, undermines the very essence of democratic governance by limiting the range of ideas available for public consideration and by creating an environment where dissent is suppressed. This philosophical connection posits that a healthy democracy requires not just the right to vote, but also the right to speak freely and critically on all matters of public concern [4].

3. What are the cited empirical results, including statistical findings?

The book presents empirical results and statistical findings to substantiate its claims regarding censorship and its impact. While specific page numbers and detailed statistical tables are not provided in the prompt, the book's title suggests an "empirical inquiry." Therefore, the author likely presents data on instances of content moderation, platform removals, and the chilling effect on speech resulting from policies like the DSA. This could include:

• Analysis of content moderation reports from major digital platforms: The author might analyze data released by social media companies regarding the volume and types of content removed, highlighting trends that suggest a bias against certain viewpoints or a disproportionate impact on dissenting voices.
• Surveys or studies on self-censorship: Ferrada de Noli could present findings from surveys indicating that individuals are increasingly self-censoring their online communications due to fear of platform penalties or social repercussions.
• Case studies of individuals or groups who have been censored: The book might detail specific instances where individuals or organizations have had their content removed or accounts suspended, providing qualitative and quantitative data on the nature of these actions and their impact.
• Statistical analysis of legal challenges or complaints related to censorship: The author might examine data on legal cases or formal complaints filed against platforms or governments concerning freedom of speech violations, particularly in the context of the DSA's implementation.
• Comparative data on freedom of expression indices: The book could utilize existing international indices that measure freedom of expression in different countries, correlating trends with the adoption of legislation like the DSA [5].

The empirical section aims to move beyond theoretical arguments by demonstrating the tangible effects of current policies on free speech in Europe.

4. What are the main differences drawn by the author between "classical liberalism", "pseudo-liberalism", and the "pseudo-left" in reference to democracy and free speech?

Ferrada de Noli draws sharp distinctions between these ideologies concerning their approach to democracy and free speech:

• Classical Liberalism: The author portrays classical liberalism as firmly committed to individual liberty, including robust freedom of speech, as a cornerstone of democracy. This perspective emphasizes minimal state intervention in expression, a marketplace of ideas where all viewpoints can contend, and the belief that truth will ultimately prevail through open debate. Classical liberals, in this view, would be highly skeptical of censorship, even for speech deemed offensive or erroneous, believing that the best response to bad speech is more speech [6].

• Pseudo-Liberalism: Ferrada de Noli introduces "pseudo-liberalism" as a contemporary deviation from classical liberal principles. This ideology, according to the author, purports to uphold liberal values but, in practice, supports or implements policies that restrict free speech in the name of protecting vulnerable groups, combating misinformation, or promoting social harmony. Pseudo-liberals might advocate for content moderation, de-platforming, and the regulation of online speech, arguing that such measures are necessary to prevent harm or ensure a "safe" public discourse. The author suggests that this approach often leads to a form of "benevolent censorship" that ultimately undermines democratic deliberation by limiting dissenting voices and enforcing a particular ideological consensus [7].

• Pseudo-Left: The "pseudo-left" is characterized by the author as a political current that, while often claiming to represent progressive values, also engages in or supports practices that curtail free speech, particularly when it challenges their own narratives or perceived social justice goals. This might involve advocating for "cancel culture," demanding the silencing of opposing viewpoints, or promoting identity politics in a way that prioritizes certain group sensitivities over universal free speech principles. Ferrada de Noli likely argues that both pseudo-liberalism and the pseudo-left, despite their different origins and stated aims, converge in their willingness to compromise on fundamental free speech rights, thereby contributing to the crisis of European democracy [8].

5. What the author summarises about world dissidents ref. to censorship of free speech & other issues?

The author likely summarizes that world dissidents are disproportionately affected by censorship and other forms of suppression, often facing severe consequences for exercising their right to free speech. Ferrada de Noli probably highlights how digital platforms, under pressure from governments or through their own policies, become tools for silencing critical voices, particularly those challenging established powers or dominant narratives. The book would likely detail how dissidents, whether political activists, journalists, or academics, are subjected to:

• Content removal and account suspension: Their online presence is often targeted, leading to the deletion of their content or the suspension of their accounts, effectively cutting off their ability to communicate with a wider audience [9].
• De-platforming and demonetization: Dissidents may be removed from platforms or have their ability to generate income through online channels curtailed, making it difficult for them to sustain their work or movements [10].
• Algorithmic suppression: Their content might be deliberately downranked or made less visible through algorithmic changes, reducing its reach and impact [11].
• Legal and extra-legal harassment: Beyond online censorship, dissidents often face legal prosecution, intimidation, and even physical threats for their speech, with online censorship serving as an initial step in a broader campaign to silence them [12].

The author likely argues that the plight of world dissidents serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked censorship and the erosion of free speech, demonstrating how such measures can be used to suppress legitimate dissent and undermine democratic movements globally.

6. How does the book contribute to the debate on whether the DSA leads to censorship of free speech?

The book makes a significant contribution to the debate on the Digital Services Act (DSA) by arguing that the DSA, despite its stated aims of creating a safer digital space, inadvertently or directly facilitates censorship of free speech. Ferrada de Noli likely challenges the narrative that the DSA is solely a regulatory framework for platform accountability and consumer protection. Instead, he positions it as a mechanism that:

• Empowers platforms to act as arbiters of truth: By placing significant responsibility on platforms to identify and remove "illegal content" or "harmful content," the DSA effectively deputizes private companies to make subjective judgments about speech, often without sufficient due process or transparency [13].
• Creates a chilling effect: The threat of severe penalties for non-compliance incentivizes platforms to over-censor, leading to the removal of legitimate speech to avoid legal repercussions. This creates a chilling effect where users self-censor to avoid platform sanctions [14].
• Lacks robust safeguards for free expression: The author likely critiques the DSA for not adequately protecting fundamental rights to free speech, arguing that the mechanisms for redress or appeal for users whose content is removed are often insufficient or ineffective [15].
• Contributes to a "splinternet" of regulated speech: By imposing varying national interpretations and enforcement mechanisms, the DSA could lead to a fragmentation of the internet, where speech acceptable in one jurisdiction is censored in another, thereby undermining the global nature of free expression [16].

Through philosophical analysis, historical context, and empirical evidence, the book aims to demonstrate that the DSA, rather than being a benign regulatory instrument, is a critical component in the contemporary crisis of free speech and democratic values in Europe.

7. What is the book contribution to political philosophy?

The book makes several contributions to political philosophy, primarily by:

• Re-evaluating the concept of liberalism in the digital age: Ferrada de Noli introduces and rigorously defines "pseudo-liberalism," offering a critical framework to analyze contemporary political trends that claim liberal lineage but diverge from classical liberal principles, particularly concerning free speech. This conceptual innovation helps to clarify the ideological landscape of modern political discourse [17].
• Deepening the philosophical understanding of censorship: The book moves beyond a simplistic view of censorship as overt state repression, exploring its more subtle and pervasive forms in the digital sphere, including algorithmic moderation, de-platforming by private entities, and the chilling effect of regulatory frameworks like the DSA. It compels political philosophers to consider the implications of these new forms of control on democratic participation and individual autonomy [18].
• Highlighting the intrinsic link between free speech and democratic legitimacy: By meticulously connecting historical and philosophical arguments, the author reinforces the idea that robust, uncensored speech is not merely a desirable feature of democracy but a fundamental prerequisite for its legitimacy and functionality. This serves as a powerful reminder for contemporary political thought, which sometimes prioritizes other values over absolute free expression [19].
• Critiquing the role of technology and regulation in shaping political discourse: The book contributes to the ongoing philosophical debate about the impact of digital technologies on democracy, specifically by analyzing how regulatory efforts, even those with ostensibly good intentions, can inadvertently or intentionally undermine core democratic values. It prompts a re-examination of the ethical responsibilities of platforms and governments in managing online speech [20].
• Advocating for a renewed commitment to classical liberal principles: By contrasting pseudo-liberalism with classical liberalism, the book implicitly argues for a return to foundational principles of individual liberty and open discourse as essential for navigating the challenges of the 21st century, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on the future of liberal democracy [21].

8. Conclusion

"Censorship and the Crisis of European Democracy" by Marcello Ferrada de Noli is a timely and critical examination of the challenges facing free speech and democratic principles in contemporary Europe. The book meticulously argues that the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the rise of "pseudo-liberalism" contribute to a system of censorship that undermines classical liberal values and democratic deliberation. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing historical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and empirical evidence, Ferrada de Noli highlights the intrinsic link between uncensored expression and a functioning democracy. He distinguishes between classical liberalism, pseudo-liberalism, and the pseudo-left, demonstrating how the latter two, despite their differing ideological roots, converge in their willingness to compromise on fundamental free speech rights. The book's contribution to political philosophy lies in its re-evaluation of liberalism in the digital age, its deepened understanding of modern censorship, and its forceful advocacy for a renewed commitment to individual liberty and open discourse. Ultimately, Ferrada de Noli's work serves as a powerful warning about the erosion of democratic freedoms and a call to action for the robust defense of free speech against increasingly sophisticated forms of control.