Europe takes action against Facebook and Instagram for fear of election manipulation | News

It is far too easy for Russian spreaders of fake news, among others, to continue operating on these platforms. But Meta has hidden away inaccessible tools for users to report any incorrect content. Meta must provide clarity to the committee about adjusting part of its data system within five days. The European Commission will be in close contact with Meta this week on a number of other issues, a commission official said.

The problems identified by the European Commission include paid advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. Many deepfakes and other messages can be found in this corner that, according to the committee, clearly escape any control by Meta, while Meta does make money from this.

But there is also concern about the user department of these platforms. Because here the two platforms almost go too far again in restricting political content. According to the European Commission, it is not transparent on what grounds any political messages are allowed or excluded here. Furthermore, the DSA has made it mandatory that internet users can quickly report suspicious information to the platform. But Meta has hidden too much how and where this can be done. The committee must improve this.

According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the move against Meta is logical. “This committee has made it a spearhead to protect European citizens from targeted disinformation and manipulation by third countries. If we suspect that rules are being broken, we take action. This is always the case, but especially in times of democratic elections.”

In principle, Meta is given time to solve the problems. If they don’t, large fines will follow.

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