Google, Meta, TikTok and other tech giants have reportedly agreed to revise the EU’s anti-disinformation code, which will allow the companies to share more information with the European Commission.
A confidential report obtained by the Financial Times includes details of updated codes of conduct that some of the world’s biggest tech companies have signed up to.
The Disinformation Code of Practice is a voluntary agreement to adhere to a set of self-regulatory standards to combat disinformation. It was founded in 2018 and includes Google, Meta, TikTok, Twitter, Microsoft and Mozilla.
The code has been revised several times since its introduction, although the latest revision raises the ante for signatories in how much information they are required to disclose.
Below is some information about the EU Code of Conduct and what has been added to this set of changes.
EU Disinformation Code of Conduct
To jointly combat the spread of false information online, the European Union has developed a code of conduct that tech companies have signed.
Companies that sign up to the agreement are required to share with the European Commission details of their actions against misinformation on their respective platforms.
Their commitments include ensuring transparency in political advertising, removing fake accounts and taking down accounts that spread disinformation.
Every company must report on the steps it has taken to meet its commitments under the Code of Practice.
A “hardened” version of the code has been in development since last year and looks set to be announced soon. Here’s what to add to it.
Upcoming ‘Enhanced’ Code of Practice
According to the Financial Times, there are three main changes to the updated code.
The first is that each company must provide country-specific data on its efforts to combat disinformation. Currently they are providing data on a global or European scale.
After some initial pushback, the companies are accepting requests from regulators for more country-specific data. The reason for sharing the more granular data is to help the commission target those spreading disinformation in various countries.
The second big change is to require companies to disclose how they remove or restrict harmful content from ads and promotional content.
Third, companies entering the code of conduct will have to develop tools and partnerships with fact-checkers and include “credibility indicators” in independently verified information on important issues.
In addition to the new terms, the updated version is said to have 30 signatories, including the aforementioned tech companies and civil society groups. According to reports, the new version will be released on Thursday.
Since all parties sign the agreement voluntarily, there are no severe fines or penalties for implementing the code. However, this situation may change in the future.
The European Commission aims to evolve into a common regulatory tool under the EU Digital Services Act. This will allow the Code to be enforced through legislation.
If the disinformation code of practice is enforced through the Digital Services Act, companies complying with the rules could face fines of up to 6% of global turnover.
source: Financial Times, European Commission
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