EU lawmakers voted in favor of draft rules that target Google, Meta Platforms, and other large online platforms’ content moderation restrictions. The decision came after some media outlets complained about arbitrary decisions resulting in the removal of their content.
The draft rules stipulate that online platforms must keep news content online for 24 hours before removing it if it violates their content moderation rules. Referred to as Article 17 of the Media Freedom Act, this proposal by the European Commission aims to ensure media plurality and protect editorial independence. However, it has raised concerns among online platforms.
In a statement, lawmakers emphasized that media outlets should be notified of a platform’s intention to delete or restrict their content, and they should have a 24-hour window to respond. If the content still violates the platform’s terms and conditions after this period, the platform has the authority to delete, restrict, or refer the case to national regulators.
The tech lobbying group CCIA Europe, which includes Google, Meta, and X among its members, warned that Article 17 could be exploited to spread disinformation. CCIA Europe’s senior policy manager Mathilde Adjutor stated that “the media exemption will empower rogue actors, creating new loopholes to spread fake news rather than fixing anything.”
In addition to the content moderation rules, lawmakers voted to ban the use of spyware against journalists unless it can be justified as a last resort measure. They also mandated that media outlets be transparent about their ownership.
Before the proposed rules can be implemented, lawmakers will need to work out the details with EU countries in the coming months.
There are growing concerns about political interference in media outlets, especially with crucial elections taking place in Poland this month and the European Parliament elections next year.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Josie Kao
Credit: The Star : News Feed
