Broadcasters, publishers and journalists called on the European Commission to implement “much stronger measures” to combat disinformation on internet platforms such as Google and Facebook. The joint declaration was signed by the European Federation of Journalists, the European Publishers Council and the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT), among others.
The signatories say the European “code of good practice”, signed in 2018 by internet platforms, has shown to be inadequate to address the source and drivers of disinformation propagated online.
They urge the Commission to adopt stronger measures, for example a “meaningful” sanctions regime to ensure that the co-signatories of the code of practice have an incentive to act. However they stress that such measures should guarantee journalistic freedom, fundamental rights and editorial freedom.
Finally, they ask that the dialogue with the online platforms be carried out in a more “structured” way, while “a certain number of commissioners” deal directly with platforms.
The joint declaration follows a presentation by Brussels of new measures against disinformation, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission called on the internet giants to do more to fight the wave of disinformation caused by the pandemic, by publishing a monthly report on the actions implemented.
Vera Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, presented the Commission's report on disinformation related to the COVID-19 epidemic on Wednesday. The communication highlighted the importance of free and independent media, which provide reliable, verified information and that the European Union is stepping up its efforts to provide independent media and journalists with political and practical support.
Author: Euractiv/AFP/MTI