Commission Endorses Integration of Disinformation Code of Practice into Digital Services Act: A Landmark Step Towards Online Transparency and Accountability
BRUSSELS – The European Commission has formally endorsed the integration of the strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation into the Digital Services Act (DSA), marking a significant milestone in the fight against online disinformation. This move solidifies the Code as a self-regulatory framework under the DSA, holding Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) accountable for combating the spread of false and misleading information across their services. The integration aims to establish a more robust and comprehensive approach to tackling the complex challenge of disinformation, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and user empowerment within the digital sphere.
The Code of Practice on Disinformation, initially launched in 2018, underwent a significant strengthening process in 2022 to address evolving disinformation tactics and align with the DSA’s stricter requirements. This involved incorporating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, both of which witnessed a surge in disinformation campaigns. The strengthened Code introduces enhanced measures for tackling manipulative practices, including deep fakes and imposter accounts, while focusing on empowering users with tools and information to identify and report disinformation effectively. Critically, the integrated Code establishes clear obligations for VLOPs and VLOSEs regarding data access for researchers, fostering academic scrutiny and independent analysis of disinformation trends. This data accessibility is crucial for understanding the spread and impact of disinformation and developing effective countermeasures.
The integration signifies a shift towards a more structured and legally-binding approach to addressing disinformation. While the original Code was voluntary, its integration into the DSA makes adherence mandatory for designated VLOPs and VLOSEs. These platforms, which reach a significant portion of the EU population, now face legal obligations to implement the Code’s provisions, reinforcing the commitment to combating disinformation at the highest level. This legally binding nature ensures that platforms are not only encouraged but obligated to take concrete actions to curb the spread of harmful content, providing a more effective mechanism for enforcement and accountability.
The strengthened Code encompasses several crucial elements aimed at mitigating the impact of disinformation. It introduces measures to enhance the transparency of political advertising, making it clearer who is sponsoring political content and limiting the use of microtargeting for political ads. This empowers users to make informed decisions about the political information they encounter and reduces the potential for manipulation through targeted advertising. Moreover, the Code tackles demonetization, restricting the ability of actors spreading disinformation to profit from their activities, removing the financial incentive for malicious actors. The Code also promotes media literacy and empowers users through fact-checking initiatives and providing tools for identifying and reporting disinformation. It also mandates the establishment of clear processes for handling user complaints related to disinformation, ensuring that users have recourse in cases where they encounter harmful content.
The integration of the Code is expected to significantly contribute to a healthier online information ecosystem within the EU. By holding powerful platforms accountable for addressing disinformation within their services, the DSA aims to create a more transparent and trustworthy digital environment for all users. This includes increased data access for researchers, enabling the development of evidence-based solutions for combating disinformation and ensuring that countermeasures are effective and adaptable. The shared responsibility between platforms and authorities in upholding the Code’s provisions fosters a collaborative approach to tackling this complex challenge. Furthermore, the alignment with the DSA establishes a harmonized framework across the EU, enhancing the effectiveness and consistency of disinformation countermeasures.
The integration of the strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation into the DSA marks a crucial step towards a more robust and accountable digital landscape. By placing greater emphasis on transparency, empower users and researchers, and introducing legally binding obligations for major online platforms, the EU has positioned itself at the forefront of the global fight against disinformation. The success of this integration, however, depends on effective implementation and continued collaboration between platforms, authorities, and civil society. Consistent monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure the Code’s effectiveness and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of online disinformation. The Commission’s commitment to this endeavour signals a dedicated and ongoing effort to safeguard democratic processes and protect citizens from the harmful impacts of false and misleading information online.