A coalition of EU member states (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia) have hit out at the bloc’s efforts to stem the spread of disinformation, calling the self-regulatory framework currently in place “insufficient and unsuitable.”
Despite the criticism from EU member states, Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, praised the code earlier this week in its capacity to implore platforms giants to take a more proactive approach on the moderation of disinformation amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Nevertheless, a recent study on the code of practice, commissioned by the executive, hit out at the voluntary and self-regulatory nature of the framework (makes it difficult for the platforms to be held to account for breaches in the code), suggesting that “sanctions and redress mechanisms” should be put into place to ensure compliance.
On the point of regulation, the paper highlights the coalition’s opinion that it is ‘urgent’ for the bloc to develop regulation against disinformation across social media platforms.
“This framework should establish accountability and transparency requirements for technology companies and online platforms regarding disinformation, focusing on combatting malicious online behaviour, and not regulating content,” the paper says.
The text also highlights the threats of disinformation campaigns being peddled by Russia, as well as “assertive propaganda and influencing activities” by the Government of China. Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovakia say that the EEAS’s strategic communication division should invest more resources in covering wider global territories.
“Such geographically broader approach could be reflected, inter alia, in the development of EEAS’s analytical capabilities and communication products dedicated to particular regions in their respective languages,” the paper states.
Author: Samuel Stolton