The European Union’s Media Freedom Act entered into force across the bloc on 9 August. The regulation, championed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to bolster press freedom by safeguarding the confidentiality of journalistic sources, limiting political interference in editorial decisions and encouraging cooperation among national media regulators to counter disinformation. The rollout has triggered a polarised reaction. Several commentators claim the legislation permits authorities to detain reporters when an action is deemed to serve an overriding “public interest”, describing the clause as a threat to civil liberties. Others, including analysts who reviewed the final text, say no explicit arrest power exists and argue the law instead tightens protections for journalists. The measure also allows targeted surveillance in investigations of serious offences such as terrorism and hate crimes, subject to judicial oversight. EU officials insist these safeguards align with existing human-rights standards, but civil-society groups are calling for close monitoring as member states implement the rules.