As technology evolves, more dangers are showing up. One of the greatest dangers in the modern world is the deepfakes and fake accounts that spread misinformation. Big Tech and its platforms have a crucial role in battling these types of content. That’s why the European Union urges Google, Facebook, and Twitter to be more serious in their battle against misleading content. As per the documents seen by Reuters, the European Union has updated its code of practice on disinformation. The update rolls out on Thursday, and its goal is to limit the exposure of fake materials. The code was first introduced in 2018, and it was a voluntary code. However, it is now becoming a co-regulation scheme. The responsibility to combat fake news online is shared between regulators and signatories. Moreover, the code aligns with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA has a dedicated section for tackling disinformation, and agreed by the 27-country European Union. Based on the DSA rules, companies can face fines of as much as 6% of their global turnover if they fail to keep their promises. After signing the code documents, the companies have six months to implement their promised measures. According to the EU industry chief Thierry Breton, “The DSA provides a legal backbone to the Code of Practice against disinformation – including heavy dissuasive sanctions.”
EU warns Big Tech to battle deepfakes and fake news
According to the updated code, deepfakes and fake accounts are examples of manipulative behavior. Also, the companies who signed the code should tackle these types of content on their platforms. “Relevant signatories will adopt, reinforce and implement clear policies regarding impermissible manipulative behaviors and practices on their services, based on the latest evidence on the conducts and tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) employed by malicious actors,” the document noted. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also resulted in some changes in the code. “Once the Code is operational, we will be better prepared to address disinformation, also coming from Russia,” Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said.
