European Commission
One year after the launch of the strengthened Code, signatories will discuss their ongoing efforts to implement the Code and upcoming challenges. These challenges include preparing for the next European elections, deepening work on fact-checking, improving access to data for research, empowering users, and respond to the latest developments in the field of generative AI.
Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said:
Cooperation among signatories and the high number of new organisations willing to sign the new Code of Practice show that it has become an effective and dynamic instrument to fight disinformation. However, progress remains too slow on crucial aspects, especially when it comes to dealing with pro-Kremlin war propaganda or independent access to data. The Code should also start addressing new threats such as misuse of generative AI. As we prepare for the 2024 EU elections, I call on platforms to increase their efforts in fighting disinformation and address Russian information manipulation, and this in all Member States and languages, whether big or small.
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said:
The first reporting exercise of the Code has given us unprecedented data on how platforms tackle disinformation, but it has also shown that more has to be done on fact checking capacity, content moderation in all EU languages and data access to researchers. Platforms have an important responsibility towards our societies and democracies, in particular in view of the disinformation surrounding Ukraine and the risks of disinformation impacting elections. This responsibility becomes a legal obligation under the DSA, and designated Very Large Online Platforms will have to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including disinformation, by 25 August.
In February 2023, signatories of the code of practice delivered their first baseline reports. These reports were an unprecedented insight into platforms’ actions to fight disinformation.
The Commission expects a step up in reporting for the next round in July 2023, including improvements in the implementation of commitments in the Code, as well as more granular and fit-for-purpose data, in particular on the implementation at Member State level. This will happen alongside the risk assessment exercise Very Large Online Platforms must complete, which should include, among other things, an analysis of how disinformation and illegal content might be disseminated through their service. The Code aims to become recognised as a Code of Conduct under the Digital Services Act to mitigate the risks stemming from disinformation for Very Large Online Platforms.
The Code remains open for new Signatories to join, and expressions of interest can now be submitted through the Transparency Centre.
More information
The 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation
Update 5 June: Due to other commitments, Commissioner Thierry Breton will be replaced at the plenary by Director-General of DG CNECT, Roberto Viola.