EU calls Meta and TikTok to account for combating fake news

The European Commission is calling Meta, TikTok and YouTube to account for combating fake news about the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This is to check whether social media platforms comply with the Digital Services Act.

Responsible European Commissioner Thierry Breton of the Internal Market has recently asked various social media platforms to clarify the extent to which they combat fake news. The European Commissioner already requested clarification from X (Twitter) regarding Google’s Meta, TikTok and YouTube.

In the case of fake news surrounding the recent conflict in the Middle East, the European Commissioner especially wants the social media platforms to be aware of the many sensitivities and to act accordingly with the necessary wisdom. Especially when it comes to combating the spread of gruesome images.

Check Digital Services Act

By asking the social media platforms, the EU wants to check whether the recently introduced Digital Services Act is already working. The spread of fake news is particularly a thorn in the side of the EC. In the eyes of Thierry Breton, the recent elections in Slovakia were already a first test for the new EU legislation.

The relevant platforms must answer the EC’s questions very quickly, writes AP news agency. If they do not meet the questions and requirements of the EC, it can conduct follow-up investigations and impose fines. These fines can amount to up to 6 percent of global turnover.

Social media platforms response

Meta has previously indicated that it has processes for (combating) fake news for appropriate action in such conflicts.

TikTok has recently indicated that it is conducting stricter supervision in response to the conflict. Including through linguistic moderators, a safety center and automatic detection systems.