Big Tech Under EU Scrutiny: Meta and TikTok's Actions During Israel-Hamas War Questioned

The European Union (EU) has called Meta and TikTok to account for their efforts to prevent unlawful content and false information during the Israel-Hamas war.

The European Commission, the executive body of the 27-nation EU, has officially sent requests to these social media goliaths under the recently passed Digital Services Act (DSA). These new digital laws, which took effect in August, are intended to purge internet platforms of dangerous and unlawful information.

The emphasis of the European Commission's investigation is on the steps that Meta and TikTok have taken to reduce the spread and amplification of hate speech, terrorist and violent material, and misinformation on their respective online platforms.

Fighting Misinformation About the Israel-Hamas War

The DSA's effectiveness has been put to the test by the Israel-Hamas war, which has produced an abundance of images and films documenting the ongoing hostilities. User-generated material on digital media platforms often promotes false narratives, spreading misinformation.

The digital enforcer for the EU, Thierry Breton, has already sent letters of caution to Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. The letters particularly asked that the platforms be ready to confront the possible possibility of live broadcasts of Hamas executions given the serious hazards posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"In our exchanges with the platforms, we have specifically asked them to prepare for the risk of live broadcasts of executions by Hamas—an imminent risk from which we must protect our citizens—and we are seeking assurances that the platforms are well prepared for such possibilities," Breton remarked during a speech on Wednesday, as quoted by AP News.

The European Commission has specified two deadlines for Meta and TikTok as part of the DSA process.

Social Media Firms See Paid Subscription as a Remedy to Fight Misinformation Spread

Breton made it clear at the earlier request for further information from these social media companies that Meta must show a commitment to take prompt, careful, and impartial steps. Later, he emphasized that TikTok has a special responsibility to protect kids and teenagers from violent content and terrorist propaganda.

In response to the EU's request, TikTok said they would produce their first DSA transparency report the following week. Additional details on their ongoing efforts to guarantee the security of their European user group will be included in this report.

The European Commission's strict measures aim to guarantee that social media giants operate responsibly and in accordance with EU online regulations. As they manage the shifting legislative landscape, several businesses, like Meta, are now considering providing paid versions of their services within the European Union, as per a VOA report.

Last Monday, the European Commission formally requested information from Elon Musk's social media network, formerly known as Twitter, per the DSA.

TechTimes previously reported that X (formerly Twitter) CEO Linda Yaccarino has informed the EU that the Elon Musk-owned company had deleted hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts and removed or appropriately tagged thousands of pieces of content connected to the militant group's recent brutal attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.