Rep. Moulton: Europeans Are ‘Way Ahead of Us’ on Regulating ‘Disinformation’

STELTER: “It’s a complicated term, and there’s so much between a clear, verifiable fact, and a clear, verifiable lie. There’s so much in between. And so, that’s why you’re saying the rules have to be set up in way not to be abused. Congressman, shall we learn in the U.S. something from structures that the Europeans have adopted?”

MOULTON: “Well, look, I think in general, the U.S. has a lot to learn in terms of data regulations, internet regulation and — you’re way ahead of us in that regard. But we believe very strongly in free speech, I believe very strongly in free speech, and I think there is a healthy concern in the United States that the E.U. might be going a little too far. So I look at this from both perspectives. Yes, they are ahead of us, and they’re doing some smart things that — I know when I use the internet in Europe and I get all the warnings about cookies and whatnot, that actually makes me feel safer. That makes me feel better. And a lot of American consumers want that level of security on the internet for your own data, privacy and whatnot. But we also have a healthy concern that we are not going to be — we’re not going to be censored, and that’s the world we live in. I don’t think anyone in America — well, I don’t think lawmakers in America want to give up on the fundamental principle of free speech.”