EU Regulators Advocate Formalizing Disinformation Code Under DSA

National regulators within the European Union have advocated for the voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation, currently upheld by various online platforms, to be transitioned into a formal code under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This recommendation was highlighted in a report published today, 29 July.

The Digital Services Board, which includes the Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) from member states, has emphasized the urgency of this transition. According to MSN, the Board, alongside the European Commission, has called upon signatories to expedite the adoption of this formal code. Initially formalized in 2022, the Code of Practice on Disinformation has been endorsed by 34 companies, including major players like Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok.

This voluntary code comprises 44 commitments and 128 specific measures aimed at enhancing transparency in political advertising and empowering users. These measures, however, are currently self-regulated by the platforms and lack formal endorsement by the Commission. Per MSN, the report suggests that integrating this Code of Practice into a formal Code of Conduct would incorporate it into the DSA’s co-regulatory framework.

The report underscores the significance of the Code in mitigating systemic risks, with the Commission stressing the necessity of a swift conversion process to be completed in the upcoming months. This document marks the first report since the DSA became applicable to the largest platforms in August last year and to all platforms by February this year, evaluating the measures taken during the June European Parliament elections.

Under the DSA, the Commission now has a framework to evaluate the actions of platforms in removing illegal content that could influence electoral processes. The report noted that no major or systemic incidents were recorded that could have disrupted the vote, with the incident level remaining as anticipated and the preparations proving effective.

Similar assessments by online platforms in previous months echoed these findings. For instance, Meta reported that most threats were localized rather than aimed at the EU elections.

Source: MSN