Facebook, Twitter and TikTok are among the signatories of a new version of the EU’s anti-disinformation code that could be published as early as next Thursday and would force companies to share more data about how they tackle disinformation, according to a confidential report seen by the Financial Times.
The EU’s anti-disinformation code is the latest attempt by EU regulators to rein in the power of Big Tech companies, and it is a prelude of what is probably coming with the recently approved Digital Services Act (DSA). Most of the large tech companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Google, TikTok and Microsoft, will join the EU’s code. While this code isn’t new — it was first introduced in 2018 as a voluntary code — the concessions made by the tech companies are key to understanding the impact it could have.
First, companies will need to disclose how they are removing, blocking or curbing harmful content in advertising and in the promotion of content. Second, online platforms will have to develop tools and partnerships with fact-checkers to tackle “harmful disinformation,” and in some cases that may include taking down information. Third, big tech companies will also be forced to provide a country-by-country breakdown of their efforts, rather than providing global or Europe-wide data.
“To respond to disinformation effectively, there is a need for country and language-specific data,” said Vera Jourova, EU’s vice-president for values and transparency in charge of the code. “We know disinformation is different in every country, and the big platforms will now have to provide meaningful data that would allow us to understand better the situation on the country level.”
The companies that sign the code will have six months to implement their measures.
Digital Services Act
The EU’s anti-disinformation code may lay the foundation for the content moderation rules that will be imposed through the DSA, a piece of legislation that will force Big Tech to monitor their platforms and remove illegal content. While this code is voluntary, it will be closely linked to the DSA as this legislation foresees the creation of codes of conduct to inform companies how to comply with the new content moderation rules.
The DSA does not establish in the law how companies should identify and remove illegal content, and it explains that it will provide further guidance in secondary legislation or through codes of conduct. Thus, the updated EU disinformation code may be key to know what Big Tech would have to do to comply with the DSA and avoid hefty fines (up to 6% of global turnover).
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
T-Mobile’s Acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation Receives FCC Approval
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
UK Regulator Announces Two New Senior Executive Appointments
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
Paramount Global and Skydance Media Near Merger Deal, Eyeing CEO Change
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
BHP Unveils £31bn Mining Megamerger Proposal with Anglo American
Apr 25, 2024 by
nhoch@pymnts.com
ByteDance Prefers Shutdown Over Sale of TikTok Amid US Ban Threats
Apr 25, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI