New Delhi: A new US government web project called “freedom.gov” is taking shape, and it is already kicking up debate across Washington and Europe. According to Reuters, the US State Department is developing an online portal meant to let people in Europe and other regions view content banned by their governments, including “alleged hate speech and terrorist propaganda.”
On paper, it sounds like a free-speech flex. In practice, it risks turning into a fresh flashpoint between the US and European regulators, right as countries tighten rules for platforms and online speech.
What is “freedom.gov” and what will it do
Reuters reports the site will be hosted at “freedom.gov.” One source told Reuters officials discussed adding a virtual private network function so a user’s traffic “appear to originate in the U.S.” The same source added that user activity on the site “will not be tracked.”
The plan is reportedly linked to Washington’s view that it needs a direct way to counter censorship. Reuters also notes the initiative is seen in the context of the Trump administration’s emphasis on free speech and a tougher stance on European digital policies like the EU’s Digital Services Act.
A public denial
Reuters says a planned announcement at the Munich Security Conference was delayed, and some State Department officials raised concerns about the project. The State Department, though, pushed back, saying it “does not have a specific censorship circumvention program for Europe” and denied delays or legal-team concerns.
A separate note in the material says “Freedom.gov currently links to a Cloudflare Access page with the National Design Studio logo.”