The EC found shortcomings in the Code of Practice on Disinformation, and will publish regulatory proposals by the end of 2020.
A code signed by all the major platforms: As part of the Action Plan against Disinformation of December 2018, the EC promoted the making of a Code of Practice, through which online platforms committed to implement safeguards against disinformation. These include more scrutiny on advertising, and empowering consumers and researchers. The code was initially signed by Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Mozilla, as well as advertisers. Microsoft Joined in May 2019, followed by TikTok in June 2020.
Limitations of self-regulation: On 10 September 2020, the European Commission published its assessment of the first 12 months of the code. While the code has been a valuable instrument and helped dialogue between relevant stakeholders, the EC found several shortcomings, such as the absence of relevant KPIs, the lack of clear procedures and commitments, and the lack of access to data for an independent evaluation of emerging threats. Structured cooperation between platforms and other stakeholders, including the research community, was also found to be missing.
What will come next? The EC has already started a regulatory initiative against disinformation through the Digital Services Act, on which a public consultation closed on 8 September 2020. In parallel, the EC is also setting out a European Democracy Action Plan, on which it will consult until 15 September 2020.
