Meta’s Political Advertising Ban Affects Vlaams Belang
Meta Platforms has announced a ban on political advertising within the EU, starting October, a decision that party chairman Tom Van Grieken claims will severely impact Vlaams Belang, the only party unable to advertise with DPG Media due to its monopoly in Flanders., reports 24brussels.
Van Grieken criticized the ban, stating, “Meta’s ban on political advertising is understandable on the one hand due to the unworkable censorship of EU regulations, but it hits us hard.” He emphasized that the party, which has a significant voter base of 1 million, faces substantial restrictions on advertising, limiting its visibility.
He further asserted, “Our voters are being muzzled again. Apparently, the opinions of Vlaams Belang voters are not allowed to be shown. The solution? Share our message as much as possible on social media and restore freedom of speech.”
Vlaams Belang MEP Tom Vandendriessche echoed Van Grieken’s sentiments, describing Meta’s decision as a manifestation of the European Union’s desire to control public discourse. He stated, “This isn’t about advertising, but about the EU’s will to wield power to seize control over all information channels it can’t control. They’re forcing Big Tech to apply their censorship in their place.”
Vandendriessche condemned the EU’s regulations as vague and complex, suggesting that major tech companies choose to prohibit all political content to avoid potential legal challenges. This, he argues, hampers opposition parties from reaching the public and strengthens the EU’s hold over democratic dialogue.
In response to these developments, Vlaams Belang is advocating for significant reforms in digital space regulation, calling for measures such as interoperability to allow users to retain their networks when switching platforms and a ban on shadowbanning, which renders users invisible without their awareness.
