Tech giants are failing to combat misinformation, according to the European Union
A recent report from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) reveals that major technology companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok, are failing to combat disinformation. Although these platforms signed a voluntary EU code of conduct against misinformation in 2018, they have yet to make substantial progress in meeting the code’s eight core commitments.
EDMO’s analysis assessed the period from January to June 2024 and found a significant gap between the platforms’ promises and their actual implementation. The report highlights a lack of transparency, independent oversight, and measurable results among the tech giants. Concerns were raised about the superficial nature of some initiatives, such as Meta’s and Google’s verification labels and political advertising programs, which lack robust data on user engagement and impact.
Several other projects launched by these platforms are, in principle, commendable, but were criticised for lacking concrete, measurable results. The absence of such data raises doubts about their real value.
The report also notes that while Google, Meta, TikTok, and other tech giants do offer fact-checks and information tags to warn users about potentially misleading content, they do not provide additional information.
Data accessibility for researchers remains a major obstacle as well. Although TikTok received a high score for access to its Research API database, the application process has been criticized for being opaque. Other platforms offer limited data access as part of researcher programs, but with strict restrictions.
EDMO’s analysis is based on the platforms’ transparency reports, a survey of experts, and internal research to reach these conclusions. The report urges technology companies to step up their efforts and demonstrate tangible progress in the fight against disinformation, emphasizing the need for greater transparency, independent oversight, and measurable results.
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