In a recent statement, European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová has called for heightened controls on speech to combat what she describes as a growing issue of “disinformation narratives” within the European Union (EU). This push comes despite an assessment indicating that disinformation was not a significant factor influencing the outcome of the European Parliament elections held in June. Jourová advocates for a comprehensive, societal approach to address these concerns, which includes strategic communication, early measures to counter disinformation, enhanced law enforcement in the digital arena, support for independent media, and improvements in research, fact-checking, and critical thinking capabilities.
This call for action arises in the context of a report from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), which stated that the lead-up to the elections saw an unprecedented level of EU-related online disinformation. However, Jourová herself acknowledged the lack of a major incident that could have disrupted the election process, indicating that while disinformation narratives may be rising, they did not have the intended impact. The comments reflect a larger trend among policymakers concerned about the influence and potential dangers of information warfare, especially as elections approach.
Elsa Pilichowski from the OECD noted that while there were fears of increased disinformation especially related to artificial intelligence (AI), the expected complications did not materialize during the recent elections. Nevertheless, discussions are underway regarding how AI could complicate future elections, including potential threats such as ballot manipulation. According to Pilichowski, while preparations are ongoing, there is still a lack of readiness to address the risks posed by these new technologies, suggesting policymakers are grappling with the realities of rapidly evolving digital landscapes.
In a subsequent conversation, Jourová personally criticized social media mogul Elon Musk, implying that he struggles with the challenges posed by disinformation in the digital realm. The future of censorship in the EU remains ambiguous, as the bloc has already enacted substantial measures to regulate online speech. For instance, the Digital Services Act (DSA) places significant obligations on large internet platforms, threatening hefty fines and possible bans if they do not adequately control so-called disinformation and hate speech.
The extent to which social media companies have responded to the EU’s requests is significant; during the recent elections, platforms such as Meta and TikTok took substantial action against flagged posts. According to the Brussels-backed Elections24Check, Meta acted on 80% of identified disinformation cases, while TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube followed with 40%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. This pattern underscores the increasing role of social media in moderating content under regulatory pressure, raising questions about freedom of speech and the broader implications of these actions on public discourse.
Finally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has echoed this sentiment, insisting on the necessity for further actions to combat disinformation and other perceived threats. Speaking at a recent World Economic Forum summit, she called for a collaborative effort between government and businesses to establish innovative methods for tackling issues such as climate change and widespread disinformation. This rhetorical convergence among European leaders indicates a shift toward prioritizing censorship and control over speech, which raises concerns about the potential overreach of regulatory frameworks and the implications for democratic discourse within the EU.
