Brussels regulators are increasing their surveillance of digital firms, accusing Meta of inadequate measures against disinformation and misleading advertising. This inspection escalates ahead of the EU elections, indicating anxiety about potential foreign meddling.
The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Meta and its two platforms, Facebook and Instagram. Potential violations of the EU's Digital Services Act concern how the corporation handles misleading advertising, political content, and user reporting of illegal information. Brussels wants to guarantee that huge platforms take stricter measures to protect against disinformation and hate speech.
Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission's president, emphasised that this move underscores the EU's commitment to protecting individuals from targeted disinformation operations, especially during crucial election periods.
The Meta probe is one of several examinations targeting tech sites such as X (previously Twitter), TikTok, and Aliexpress. This move demonstrates the EU's commitment to holding online platforms accountable for preventing harmful content and election tampering.
Concerns about Meta include insufficient filtering of false advertising, especially that generated by AI (deepfakes). Furthermore, the commission investigates alleged algorithmic bias against political content and the lack of user-friendly mechanisms for reporting illegal posts.
While acknowledging the problems of fighting disinformation, the EU emphasises the necessity of platforms that reduce threats to democratic processes. DSA infractions can result in fines of up to 6% of global yearly revenue.
