Meta and TikTok have been given a week by the European Commission to provide details on measures taken to counter the spread of terrorist, violent content, and hate speech on their platforms, a week after Elon Musk’s X was told to do the same.
In this illustration taken on May 22, 2023, the EU flag and the Meta logo can be observed.
The European Union’s executive body said on Thursday it had sent a request for the information to the two companies as researchers point to the proliferation of disinformation following Hamas’ attack against Israel more than a week ago.
The European Commission has the authority to initiate investigations into these companies if their responses are deemed unsatisfactory.
According to the recently enacted Digital Services Act (DSA), significant online platforms are obliged to intensify their efforts in removing illegal and harmful content or face potential fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.
On September 20, 2023, European flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The Commission specified that Meta is required to furnish the requested information related to crisis response by October 25, 2023, and information pertaining to the protection of the integrity of elections by November 8, 2023.
“TikTok is obligated to supply the requested information to the Commission by October 25, 2023, regarding queries concerning crisis response, and by November 8, 2023, in relation to safeguarding the integrity of elections and the protection of minors online,” the statement stated.
Written by Foo Yun Chee and edited by Mark Potter.
