The European Commission has published the first reports submitted by signatories of the Code of Practice against disinformation, which was signed in October 2018, while calling on signatories to intensify their efforts in the run up to the 2019 EU elections.
The monitoring of the Code of Practice is part of the Action Plan against disinformation, which the European Union adopted in December 2018, in order to enhance its capabilities and strengthen cooperation between Member States and EU institutions, the aim of which is to proactively address the threats posed by disinformation. The Code marks the first time that industry has agreed, on a global and voluntary basis, to self-regulatory standards in order to combat disinformation.
Facebook, Google, Twitter, Mozilla and some additional members of the EDIMA trade association, are among those that have signed the self-regulatory Code, having agreed to submit periodic reports on measures taken in order to comply with the Code. These are the first monthly reports, to be followed by similar reports every month until May 2019. By the end of 2019, the Commission will carry out a comprehensive assessment at the end of the Code's initial 12-month period. Should the results prove unsatisfactory, the Commission may propose further actions, including those of a regulatory nature.
We have included details regarding the provisions of the Code in our previous update, and will monitor any further developments.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.