EU Nations Face Censorship Fears as New Copyright Rule Kicks In

Politicians from Poland, Germany, and elsewhere in the European Union are exploring ways to sidestep contentious provisions of a new copyright rule, in effect June 7, that critics fear will undercut internet freedom.

The EU directive is intended to get copyright policy in tune with the digital age. Directives function as packages of instructions that national governments must write into their laws. In this case, member states have two years—until June 7, 2021—to update their statutes.

Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Facebook Inc. may have to negotiate licenses for songs or video clips before publishing user uploads, under the new rules. ...