A number of news websites have been taken offline for British and European audience under new data law that came into force on Friday, amid accusations that Facebook and Google have already breached the regulations.

The LA Times, The New York Daily News, Chicago Times, Chicago Tribune, Orlando Sentinel and Baltimore Sun are all blocked from those trying to access the news in European countries.

"Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in most European countries," a notice on each of the websites read.

"We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to the EU market.

"We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism."