EU gives Meta, TikTok one week to detail measures against disinformation
Under the Digital Services Act, major online platforms are required to take more proactive steps in removing illegal and harmful content
The European Commission is intensifying its efforts to combat the spread of hate speech and disinformation during the Israel-Hamas war by demanding that Meta and TikTok provide detailed information about their strategies to address these issues.
Earlier, these platforms were given a 24-hour timeframe to respond, which was not legally binding. However, this latest demand carries legal force, and both companies now have one week to provide their responses.
The latest request comes in the wake of similar demands made to Elon Musk's company, X.
The European Union's executive body initiated the request on Thursday, citing the proliferation of disinformation on social media following the recent Hamas attack against Israel.
For Meta, the request pertains to the dissemination of disinformation and illegal content. The EC has also requested information on Meta's mitigation measures to safeguard the integrity of elections.
Regarding TikTok, the Commission is seeking details on the app's efforts to counter the spread of terrorist and violent content, as well as hate speech, and how TikTok is complying with rules for protecting minors online.
Under new regulations introduced through the Digital Services Act (DSA), which recently came into effect, major online platforms are now required to take more proactive steps in removing illegal and harmful content.
The DSA and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have given the EU the tools to challenge the power of big tech and impose tough new regulations on how they operate.
The DSA, which applies to "very large" platforms like Meta and TikTok, bans illegal online content under the threat of fines up to 6% of a company's annual global turnover.
The Israel-Hamas war has put these new rules to the test, as social media platforms have witnessed a surge in disinformation, including manipulated images and mislabelled videos.
Meta is expected to provide the requested information to the EC by 25th October 2023 regarding its response to the crisis, and by 8th November regarding the protection of the integrity of elections.
Failure to provide satisfactory responses may lead to investigations being opened against these tech giants by the Commission.
Meta stated it has established a specialised operation centre to monitor and respond to the evolving situation.
"Our teams are working around the clock to keep our platforms safe, take action on content that violates our policies or local law, and coordinate with third-party fact checkers in the region to limit the spread of misinformation," a Meta spokesperson told BBC News.
"We're happy to provide further details of this work, beyond what we have already shared, and will respond to the European Commission."
TikTok says it is reviewing the request from Brussels and will provide more information about its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its European users.
"We'll publish our first transparency report under the [new law] next week, where we'll include more information about our ongoing work to keep our European community safe," a TikTok spokesperson said.