Meta and TikTok have six days to tell the EU how they're combatting Israel-Hamas disinformation
Published: 14:21 19 Oct 2023 EDT
The European Comission has given Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and TikTok a deadline of October 25 to show what their platforms are doing to fight illegal content and disinformation regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
The EU’s executive arm formally requested information on how the companies are complying with the Digital Services Act, which obligates social media platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter and others, to crack down on illegal content or face fines of up to 6% of annual global revenue.
In the case of the Israel-Hamas war, photos and videos showing illegal terrorism content or hate speech and posts spreading disinformation have become a major problem, according to European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Breton previously sent warning letters to Meta, TikTok, X/Twitter and YouTube.
“In our exchanges with the platforms, we have specifically asked them to prepare for the risk of live broadcasts of executions by Hamas — an imminent risk from which we must protect our citizens — and we are seeking assurances that the platforms are well prepared for such possibilities,” Breton said in a speech on Wednesday.
The platforms have also been given a deadline of November 8 to respond to EU concerns about protecting election integrity. TikTok has also been challenged regarding its efforts to protect child safety.
If the commission doesn’t like what it hears, the body could opt to begin formal proceedings against the companies and ultimately issue fines.
Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com
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