Restrictions on Speech in Europe

Europe's trend towards restrictions on speech is a growing concern. Many European countries have implemented laws targeting hate speech, misinformation, and unlawful speech, including the Digital Services Act and the Netz-Dg law. This increasing restriction on speech is not limited to authoritarian nations but also affects democracies. Research shows that about 70% of new legislation on the issue of expression restricts speech rather than expanding it, leading to a global free speech recession. These restrictions can have implications for US-based companies and the freedom of speech on platforms.