EU Warns Facebook (Meta) to Combat Fake News and Russian Interference Ahead of Parliamentary Elections or Face Consequences
The European Union (EU) gave Facebook owner Meta five days to explain how they will combat fake news, fake websites, and ads funded by the Kremlin in the upcoming European parliamentary elections.
This action comes amid growing concerns about Russian interference in EU elections and Facebook's ability to address the issue of fake news effectively.
The warning was issued forty days before the elections and during a year when more than half the world's population will go to the polls.
The European Commission, led by Thierry Breton, has launched formal proceedings against Meta (Facebook) due to concerns about Russian interference in the upcoming European elections.
Breton warned Facebook to address the risks within five working days or face unspecified measures to protect democracy.
The commission is worried about Russia using Facebook's large user base (over 250 million monthly active users) to influence voter opinions.
The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, has stated that Russia's objective in a recent investigation into alleged payments to European Parliament members was to elect more pro-Russian candidates.
Officials have given examples of blatant advertising paid for by foreign agents, but have not provided specific instances.
They have criticized Facebook for making money from this content and have expressed concern that the tools to flag illegal or suspicious content are not easily accessible.
The warning was issued forty days before the elections and during a year when more than half the world's population will go to the polls.
The European Commission, led by Thierry Breton, has launched formal proceedings against Meta (Facebook) due to concerns about Russian interference in the upcoming European elections.
Breton warned Facebook to address the risks within five working days or face unspecified measures to protect democracy.
The commission is worried about Russia using Facebook's large user base (over 250 million monthly active users) to influence voter opinions.
The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, has stated that Russia's objective in a recent investigation into alleged payments to European Parliament members was to elect more pro-Russian candidates.
Officials have given examples of blatant advertising paid for by foreign agents, but have not provided specific instances.
They have criticized Facebook for making money from this content and have expressed concern that the tools to flag illegal or suspicious content are not easily accessible.