The former senior adviser to the President of the United States, Elon Musk, expressed little sympathy for the European Union, sometimes even to the point of spreading false statements about it. The withdrawal of its social network X in May 2023, Code of good practice against misinformation This is a concrete illustration.
Fake news is not new; With the rise of the Internet, digital platforms and social networks, disinformation is now taking on an unprecedented dimension. It is accentuated by the sorting and recommendation algorithms, which generate filter bubbles and promote the customization of information, helping to isolate Internet users in closed ideological spaces.
These digital environments promote the emergence of conspiracy discourse, Internet rumors and digital propaganda, endangering information pluralism. Paradoxically, the actors behind these content often claim freedom of digital expression.
In the face of this growing threat, the European Union, based on the values of democracy, respect for fundamental rights and digital security, must act to counter attempts to manipulate public opinion.
A structured European strategy to combat misinformation
Since 2023, a special committee on the "European shield of democracy" has been set up in the European Parliament. It looks at cases of electoral interference, particularly foreign, in the European democratic process. This response directly targets Russia's influence campaigns or certain political currents in the United States.
But this initiative is part of a broader set of measures including European digital regulation, research, expertise, and digital content regulation, in order to combat informational intoxication.
Digital Services Act (DSA)
The Digital Services Act (DSA), or European legislation on digital services, came into force in 2023. It imposes new rules on GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft) and other major platforms operating in the European Union. The aim is to create a more secure digital space that respects fundamental rights.
The text includes:
- Rapid removal of illegal content and false information in circulation;
- Transparency on recommendation algorithms;
- Content moderation obligations;
- A deterrent sanctions regime: up to 6% of the company's annual global turnover in case of non-compliance.
The Media Freedom Act
Adopted in 2024, the Media Freedom Act aims to guarantee the freedom of the media, their editorial independence and information pluralism throughout the Union. It thus indirectly attacks European misinformation by monitoring media concentrations and political interference.
A European Media Services Committee is responsible for enforcing these rules and assessing the risks associated with cyber propaganda.
IIA Act
European regulation on artificial intelligence, or IA Actmarks a world first, which will enter fully into force in 2026. The text adopts a risk-based approach, with a typology of the d
- Minimum risk: no special constraint;
- Limited risk: obligation of algorithmic transparency;
- High risk: strict supervision of threats to fundamental rights;
- Unacceptable risk: outright ban
The objective is twofold: to frame artificial intelligence while stimulating European technological innovation. Failure to comply with the Regulation may result in penalties of up to 7 % of the company's annual global turnover, representing a fine of up to EUR 35 million.
Thus, despite the European Union's declared will, misinformation has not yet disappeared from social networks. Nevertheless, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg's (meta's boss) opposition to the DSA regulation clearly demonstrate the expected impact of this legislation on GAFAM and other digital giants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – To go further
What is the Code of Good Practice against Disinformation?
Launched in 2018 and strengthened in 2022, this code provides a framework to combat the spread of fake news on different platforms. Today, more than 30 digital players, including Google and Tik Tok, have adopted. This code requires platforms to inform the European Commission of the operation of their algorithms.
What is the Media Freedom Act?
This European regulation on media freedom requires the media to make public the name(s) of their owner(s). It also prohibits the use of spy software and media surveillance tools to guarantee their freedom. Finally, the regulation pays particular attention to the public media, ensuring their survival while being vigilant about the risk of state propaganda.
