Commissioner de Gucht appreciates social networks:
…in the end the vote [on SOPA] had not been held, following a hostile campaign by social networks and the loss of White House support.
and social media also spoiled De Gucht’s ACTA project:
…, the intense media campaign which was unleashed in Europe, instigated largely by the social networks, had since led a number of Union Heads of State or Government to decide to delay signature or ratification of the agreement by their national parliaments. He added that the campaign had also had a considerable influence on Members of the European Parliament and, following recent contacts with various political groups, he now felt it would be difficult to muster a majority in favour of ACTA within the EP.
the commissioner does not get it. It wasn’t the social media which was hostile. It was the PEOPLE who USED social media to voice their discontent with laws meant to restrict fundamental rights…
How clueless can De Gucht be? In my opinion, he is showing time and time again how unqualified he is to legislate for the internet, or even take useful decisions about growth and innovation in the EU. He should resign before he does any more damage.