RFE
01 Dec 2020, 19:15 GMT+10
The European Commission (EC) will propose for the first time that the European Union impose sanctions on 'foreign actors' from states such as Russia or China spreading disinformation as it pushes for a tougher oversight mechanism for online platforms, according to a draft document seen by RFE/RL.
The European Democracy Action Plan, which the EC is set to present on December 2, says that the 27-member bloc 'needs to use more systematically the full range of tools in its toolbox for countering foreign interference and influence operations and further develop them, including by imposing costs on the perpetrators.'
'Possible ways of doing so range from publicly identifying commonly used techniques (so as to render them operationally unusable) to imposing sanctions following repeated offenses,' it says.
It is the first time that the EC -- the EU's executive body -- has suggested in an official document the imposition of sanctions for the spread of disinformation.
Warning that information can be 'weaponized by foreign actors,' the document goes on to say that 'certain third countries (in particular Russia and China) have engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns around COVID‑19 in the EU, its neighborhood, and globally, seeking to undermine democratic debate, exacerbate social polarization, and improve their own image.'
The action plan notes that the East StratCom Task Force, a division of the European External Action Service (EEAS) that monitors Russian disinformation, has so far identified more than 500 examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation on COVID-19 this year and over 10,000 examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation since it started monitoring in 2015. The EEAS is the EU's diplomatic corps.
The document also suggests much tougher EU rules on online platforms that 'can be used by malicious operators for disseminating and amplifying false and misleading content and have been criticized for lack of transparency in the use of algorithms to distribute content online and for targeting users on the basis of the vast amount of personal data generated from online activity.'
In 2018, the EC put together a code of practice on disinformation that platforms such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter joined voluntarily to report on actions taken on the transparency of ad placements and moves against fake accounts and bots.
However, amid what it said were disappointing results, the EC is now suggesting 'a more robust approach based on clear commitments and subject to appropriate oversight mechanisms is necessary to fight disinformation more effectively.'
The document says the upcoming Digital Services Act (DSA), due to be unveiled by the EC later this year, 'will propose rules to ensure greater accountability on how platforms moderate content, on advertising, and on algorithmic processes.'
'Very large platforms will be obliged to assess the risks their systems pose -- not only as regards illegal content and products but also systemic risks to the protection of public interests and fundamental rights, public health and security,' it says.
The DSA aims to update the European Union's legal framework for online business.
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Republished with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036
Get a daily dose of Herald Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Herald Globe.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
SLUBICE, Poland: Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7, following Germany's earlier reintroduction...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: After months of warnings from former federal officials and weather experts, the deadly flash floods that struck the...
MOSCOW, Russia: Just hours after his sudden dismissal by President Vladimir Putin, Russia's former transport minister, Roman Starovoit,...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
(Photo credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images) Pete Crow-Armstrong crushed a pair of home runs and right-hander Colin Rea handled the...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris sustained an eye injury in a Fourth of July...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker and New York Yankees second baseman Jazz...
(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images) Nick Lodolo and four relievers combined on a four-hit shutout Thursday for the host Cincinnati...
(Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images) The Red Sox won't wait until after the All-Star break for Alex Bregman, as manager Alex Cora...
(Photo credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images) Jordan Westburg homered and Gunnar Henderson had three hits as the Baltimore Orioles...