Tech Companies Sign EU Disinformation Code

EU Strengthens Code of Practice on Online Disinformation

A number of technology companies and organizations, including the audio social network Clubhouse, video platform Vimeo, and anti-ad fraud company DoubleVerify, are preparing to adhere to a revised version of the European Union’s Code of Practice on Online Disinformation, as announced by the Commission today.

Reinforcing Industry Collaboration

The EU’s executive branch indicated in May that the existing (and still voluntary) code would be strengthened to foster greater collaborative industry efforts in combating the proliferation of detrimental disinformation online.

A call was issued for increased participation from smaller digital services and adtech companies, with a particular emphasis on broadening involvement beyond the traditionally prominent platform giants.

Initial Signatories and New Participants

Companies such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Mozilla were among the first to sign the EU disinformation code back in 2018. TikTok subsequently joined the initiative last summer.

Currently, eight new entities are poised to accept the terms of the enhanced code.

Expert Organizations Join the Effort

Alongside the aforementioned startups, organizations offering specialized expertise and technical solutions for countering disinformation – including Avaaz, Globsec, Logically, NewsGuard, and WhoTargetsMe – are also preparing to participate.

The European Commission states that “substantial additional efforts are needed to reduce the flow of harmful disinformation,” citing recent electoral campaigns and reports from the COVID-19 disinformation monitoring program as evidence.

Addressing Shortcomings in the Existing Code

The Commission has identified several areas for improvement in the revised code, including:

Inconsistent and incomplete implementation of the Code across different platforms and EU Member States.
Gaps in the scope of the Code’s commitments.
Insufficient monitoring mechanisms and key performance indicators.
A lack of commitments regarding access to platform data for disinformation research.
Limited engagement from stakeholders, particularly within the advertising sector.

Self-Regulation and Future Regulations

Despite the intention to strengthen the code, it will remain a self-regulatory framework. Whether it will evolve into a “strong EU instrument,” as the Commission suggests – without possessing legally binding authority – remains uncertain.

Compliance with the revised code will be considered within the broader context of upcoming digital regulations, specifically the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to increase accountability for internet companies.

Should self-regulation prove ineffective in addressing harmful online disinformation, such as false information concerning COVID-19 vaccines or electoral interference, the Commission may consider legislative action. However, it appears hesitant to pursue this route due to the potential for accusations of censorship and concerns regarding free speech.

Upcoming Transparency Rules

Pan-EU regulations concerning transparency in political advertising are scheduled for implementation next year.

Statements from EU Officials

Věra Jourová, VP for values and transparency, expressed her satisfaction with the engagement of new actors in the revision process, stating: “I am pleased to see new actors from relevant sectors answering our call and engaging in the overhaul of the Code of Practice. I encourage others, including platforms, messaging services and actors in the online advertising ecosystem, to join as soon as possible to co-shape the process.”

She further emphasized that the strengthened Code must meet the expectations outlined in the May Guidance, adding: “Online players have a special responsibility regarding spreading and monetising disinformation. They must become more transparent, accountable and safe by design.”

Thierry Breton, the EU commissioner for the internal market, welcomed the increasing commitment from online platforms, technology providers, civil society, and expert organizations, stating: “I welcome the fact that more and more online platforms, technology providers, civil society and expert organisations are formally committing to fighting disinformation. The private sector should be ambitious and anticipate the new EU rules on digital services (DSA). Now is the time to show they walk the talk.”