Disinformation (or fake news in jargon) is a common practice on social networks. It is very difficult to distinguish right from wrong now. And the advent of artificial intelligence clearly will not help the situation. Europe created a task force in 2018 with the aim of creating “” to draft legislation to help fight disinformation. Code of Practice Against Disinformation “.
In this group you will find big names in social networks, advertising and the Internet: Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Twitch, Vimeo or Twitter. The interest in forming a working group was twofold. First, write down the guiding ideas of what the DSA (Digital Services Act) will be. August 25, 2023. Then include those who will have to implement it, especially large American firms. However, participation in this group is optional. Therefore, each signatory can leave the group at any time.
Twitter no longer wants to fight misinformation with Europe
And that’s exactly what Twitter has chosen to do. In a message to his official account (find at the end of this article), European Commissioner Thierry Breton confirms: Elon Musk’s social network leaves the task force. A decision that came exactly three months before the implementation of DSA, which the American firm would have to respond to to avoid astronomical fines: 10% of annual turnover for the first conviction, up to 20% in case of recurrence. Even the blocking of service in Europe.
Twitter’s withdrawal from the European Code of Practice against Disinformation working group sends a far more than positive message. Is this a message of defiance against the law that will go into effect this summer, forcing social networks to actively fight misinformation? Or is it just another disdain from Elon Musk confirming to European officials that the American platform will continue to do what it wants? One thing’s for sure: it doesn’t smell good. Twitter, which draws attention to fake news like all other social networks, has been involved in a project that aims to combat this phenomenon for five years. And now management decides to leave a few months before an oppressive practice.
Twitter departs from EU voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation.
However, the obligations remain. You can run, but you can’t hide.
Beyond voluntary commitments, combating disinformation will be a legal obligation. #DSA As of August 25.
Our teams will be ready for implementation.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) 26 May 2023