Internet Becomes Less Free as EU Adopts New Content Crackdown Rules

The internet has become less free in Europe as parts of a new law took effect on Friday in the European Union (EU) that require large online platforms to take down content that bureaucrats in the bloc deem to be “disinformation” or “hate speech.”

European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton communicates on the EU’s 5G plan, in Brussels, Belgium, on Jan. 29, 2020. Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

The internet has become less free in Europe as parts of a new law took effect on Aug. 25 in the European Union (EU) that require large online platforms to take down content that bureaucrats in the bloc deem to be “disinformation” or “hate speech.”

New rules in the sweeping Digital Services Act (DSA), which is being adopted in phases impose strict requirements on Big Tech companies regarding user privacy, transparency—and content.