Facebook twitter and other big tech companies and would be ready to comply with the rules of the European Union to avoid disinformation. In accordance with Financial Timescompanies are preparing to adhere to a code of practice on disinformation where undertake to remove harmful content on their platforms.
The newspaper mentions that Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft and TikTok are part of the block of 30 signatories that will sign the updated version of the code. In doing so, big tech each country must provide specific data on disinformation. The new code will be enforced through the Digital Services Law, a measure that aims to stop the spread of illegal content and disinformation on social networks.
Although technology companies have shown resistance to regulation, disinformation became a problem after the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The new code will force companies to reveal the strategy to eliminate and contain disinformation. It also requires them to develop tools to counter harmful content and work with fact checkers.
The Big Tech must identify and mark false information
the platforms they will have the obligation to identify and mark false information so that it is evident to users. They will also offer data to member states, such as the number of bots removed, details on the artificial intelligence algorithms they identify fake newsas well as the number of content moderators that exist in each country.
Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and all signatories they won’t be able to get rid of it so easily. In fact, this code requires that the information be provided by country and not by the entire continent. According to Věra Jourová, EU Vice President for Transparency and responsible for the code, disinformation is different in each country, so big platforms will have to provide meaningful data. In case of not complying with the agreement, the companies will face fines of up to 6 percent of your global turnover.
According to Jourova, Russia’s actions in the Ukrainian war accelerated the development of the code disinformation practice. Since the beginning of the invasion, the Kremlin has manipulated reports about the war. The government passed a law that fines or sends to prison those who question military decisions. The EU vice president for transparency said that countries will be better prepared to fight disinformation.
The code against disinformation provides for millionaire fines for those who do not comply
It is expected that the new version of the code will be published next Thursday. In it will be the signatures of 30 technology companies and civil society groups.
The new code and the Digital Services Law are the most recent attempt to tackle harmful content on social media. The legislation obliges large technology companies to carry out an analysis of the risks that their services represent. Among them is the dissemination of illegal content and manipulation to affect democratic processes. They will also study the adverse effects on Fundamental Rights and the mental health of adults and minors.
The Digital Services Law it also gives the European Union the right to censor or minimize the spread of harmful content or detrimental in crisis situations.