The European Commission takes action ahead of European and national elections of 2019.
Background: The EC has been very active in the fight against so called ‘fake news’ during 2018. Following a Communication issued in April 2018, the Commission adopted a self-regulatory Code of Practice for online platforms to tackle disinformation.
What has been announced? Today’s action plan sees a coordinated effort between Commissioners for Digital Economy and Society (Mariya Gabriel), Security Union (Julian King) and Justice (Vera Jourova). The plan focuses on four key areas; the most noteworthy elements are a rise in the budget to address disinformation (from €1.9m to €5m), the close monitoring of platforms’ Code of Practice, and the promotion of media literacy programmes for 2019, for which €61m will be allocated.
Why it matters: The EC clearly wants to leave no stone unturned with regard to disinformation. While the launch of a self-regulatory code is a relatively light-touch approach, it was also the quickest way to take action without getting stuck into the lengthy and uncertain process of a new legislative initiative, for which there would have been little time due to the EU elections ahead. But Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip has been clear: if self-regulation does not work, the EC will take further regulatory action.
