In a world where one click can reach millions of people, TikTok and Meta, Facebook's parent company, are at the center of a storm. This time it's not about privacy violations or advertising revenue, but about the truth itself. The EU has had enough of false reports that are fueling the conflict between Israel and Hamas. She has set her sights on the tech giants.
The trigger: false reports on social networks
It all started with a flood of content during the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. From doctored images to quotes taken out of context, social media has become almost as competitive a battlefield as the streets of Gaza and Israel. For the EU, this was the straw that broke the camel's back.
EU reacts: proceedings against TikTok and Meta
In an unprecedented move, the European Commission has taken legal action against the companies TikTok and Meta. The reproach? Violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a bold piece of legislation that came into force at the end of August. It holds platforms accountable, especially when it comes to false reports. Companies now have to react more quickly to reported posts. They must also take active action against the spread of fake news.
Special responsibility: protection of minors
EU Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton is particularly targeting TikTok not only because of the false reports, but also because of its young user base. The platform, said Breton, has a “special responsibility” to protect children and young people from violent content. This is not an easy task, as violent content can spread quickly, especially in connection with the conflict.
The precedent: Online Service X
The EU has already initiated similar proceedings against the online service X, formerly known as Twitter. This makes it clear that no one is above the law and all platforms have an equal responsibility to play an active role in the fight against disinformation.
Conclusion: A crucial moment in the digital age
We are at a turning point. The decisions on TikTok and Meta could shape how we deal with misinformation online for years to come. These cases are not just a fight to uphold the law. It is also a fight for truth at a time when it is needed most. For the EU and its citizens, this is about more than just regulation - it is about defending reality, even in an increasingly digitalized war zone.
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Source:
ORF , FAZ
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )