European Legal Perspectives on Online Disinformation

Contributions from eminent European scholars specialized in disinformation and digital constitutionalism cover the regulatory frameworks of eighteen legal systems throughout the EU. The authors employ a rigorous legal analysis that combines national perspectives with a broader examination of EU-level regulation.

This open access book employs a rigorous legal analysis that combines national perspectives with a broader examination of EU-level regulation. Online disinformation is one of the most pressing issues in terms of understanding the kind of society in which we live and aspire to live. It threatens democratic systems by influencing voters’ electoral choices. At the same time, it poses significant challenges to the foundational principles of the rule of law, since it is widely considered to require remedies that depart substantially from traditional legal frameworks. In the current geopolitical context, the European Union and its member states are at the forefront of addressing these issues and testing solutions. This book offers readers an extensive overview of European achievements and shortcomings to date. Contributions from eminent European scholars specialized in disinformation and digital constitutionalism cover the regulatory frameworks of eighteen legal systems throughout the EU. The authors employ a rigorous legal analysis that combines national perspectives with a broader examination of EU-level regulation. Particular attention is paid to the tension between freedom of expression – a cornerstone of democratic regimes – and the rapid technological transformations that are reshaping contemporary society. Issues such as the limits of regulatory intervention, the role of digital platforms, and the evolution of constitutional principles are discussed throughout these chapters. In addition to mapping existing frameworks, the authors explore anticipated challenges and prospective solutions for the near future. Conceived as a contribution to the body of scholarship on digital constitutionalism and media law, this book will appeal to researchers and scholars of European law, democratic theory, and information governance.