ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — New Internet restrictions approved by parliament are raising concerns the government is trying to control the flow of information amid a corruption scandal, and a senior European official on Thursday called the measures “a step back” for media freedom.

Under the legislation approved Wednesday, the country’s telecommunications authority would be allowed to block websites or remove content that is deemed to be in violation of privacy without seeking court approval. Internet providers would also be forced to keep data on peoples’ online activities and make them available to authorities when requested.