The European Commission has launched an investigation into Facebook and Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, over concerns they failed to adequately tackle deceptive advertising and disinformation in the lead-up to the recent European Parliament elections. This move comes amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms’ role in influencing elections and spreading misinformation.
The EU accuses the platforms of violating online content rules by not effectively addressing misleading political ads and the spread of disinformation, particularly regarding foreign interference attempts. The investigation falls under the bloc’s new Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark regulation designed to hold large tech companies accountable for content moderation on their platforms.
The EU is especially wary of potential Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating public opinion and undermining democratic processes. The investigation will determine whether Facebook and Instagram have upheld their obligations under the DSA to remove illegal content and take appropriate measures against the spread of disinformation.
If found to be in violation, Facebook and Instagram could face hefty fines of up to 6% of their global turnover. In extreme cases, the platforms could even be banned within the EU. This investigation sets a precedent for the enforcement of the DSA and sends a clear message to social media giants – they must take a more proactive approach to combating online disinformation, especially during critical elections.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched not only within the EU but also by other countries grappling with the challenges of regulating social media platforms and ensuring a healthy online information environment.
