Trump ally calls for big tech 'united front' to fight UK and EU online

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A “united front” of US social media giants could try to “fight off” regulation implemented in Europe, an American politician has suggested.

The idea that big tech companies like Meta, Apple, Microsoft and others could work together against both the UK and EU laws was made by Republican senator Scott Fitzgerald, who is chair of the judiciary subcommittee and an ally of President Donald Trump.

He was part of a trip that US politicians made to this side of the Atlantic recently around the topic of online regulation.

This included meetings with both the UK, EU and European member states, as well as discussions with big tech companies.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Fitzgerald said he asked Facebook owner Meta whether the businesses had been working together – but said they “wouldn’t confirm that”.

He added: “There may be some value in some type of united front in trying to fight these things off in Europe.”

This was in reference to both the UK’s Online Safety Act, and similar European regulation.

Mr Fitzgerald went on to say that he thinks the White House “certainly is interested in finding out” what the delegation discovered.

“I’m not sure if it can be elevated to a level of something that the president would talk about publicly and on the global stage, but this stuff is dangerous.

“And I think it needs to be addressed, and so I certainly expect to talk to the platforms and talk to the White House as well.”