As the terrifying Israel-Hamas war rages on, a virtual war of disinformation and fake news is also taking place online, with the European Union fighting back against tech giants such as Meta and X.
Thierry Breton, the industry commissioner for the European Union, warned tech tycoon Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday, Oct. 11, of the surge in misinformation and fake news on his platform and asked him to respond within 24 hours with the steps his company is taking to stop its spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
"I would ask you to be very vigilant to ensure strict compliance with the DSA rules on terms of service, on the requirement of timely, diligent and objective action following notices of illegal content in the EU, and on the need for proportionate and effective mitigation measures," Breton told Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a letter.
The letter from the EU's top tech supervisor came after a similar one he issued to billionaire Elon Musk on Tuesday regarding content on X.
On Tuesday, October 10, Breton cautioned Musk that his social media network X is spreading "illegal content and disinformation."
"Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU," Breton stated in the letter.
He pointed out to Musk that the EU has strict guidelines for content regulation. "Especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content that appears to circulate on your platform".
Next, he asked X to provide an answer to his complaint within 24 hours and to notify Europol, the EU police coordinating agency.
"Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests, "I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours" Breton continued.
Breton mentioned the new EU Digital Services Act, which regulates online platforms. "We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA. I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed."
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