EU looks to Big Tech, influencers to fight hybrid threats, fake news
BRUSSELS -- Europe is looking to online platforms and influencers to help fight disinformation and promote democracy according to a European Commission strategy presented on Wednesday amid concerns over interference by foreign governments in national elections.
A view shows the Microsoft logo on the day of the Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest industrial trade fairs with this year's partner country being Canada, as both Canada and the European Union face new U.S. tariffs, in Hanover, Germany, March 31, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) Google, Microsoft (MSFT.O), Meta Platforms (META.O), Elon Musk's X, TikTok and other online platforms already have to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content under the EU's Digital Services Act in force since 2022.
The European Democracy Shield strategy expects them to go the extra mile, with the EU executive setting up a DSA incidents and crisis protocol to facilitate coordination between authorities and react swiftly to large-scale operations.
Google logo hangs on the wall during the 'Made by Google' event, organized to introduce the latest additions to Google's Pixel portfolio of devices, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., August 20, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Signatories to a voluntary Code of Conduct on disinformation, among them Google, Microsoft, Meta and TikTok, may be required to make a greater effort to detect and label AI-generated and manipulated content on their platforms.
European Commissioner Michael McGrath attends the first meeting of the new college of European Commissioners in Brussels, Belgium, December 4, 2024. Photo: Reuters
"The Democracy Shield connects the dots, making sure Europe's tools and actors work together effectively in defense of our shared values. The challenge is clear and let us make no mistake, the stakes are indeed very high," EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath told a news conference.
European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, July 16, 2025. Photo: Reuters
The Commission also singled out influencers' role in online political campaigns, saying it would set up a voluntary network of influencers to raise awareness of relevant EU rules.
A newly set-up European Center for Democratic Resilience will coordinate EU countries' expertise and resources and facilitate information sharing.
Reuters
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