Highlights
1. The EU has launched a probe into the handling of the Israel and Hamas conflict by Meta and TikTok, asking both platforms to explain how they tackle illegal content and disinformation during war.
2. The EU Commissioner has accused Twitter (referred to as “X” in the text) of being a platform that disseminates illegal content and disinformation, and has warned Meta and TikTok of violating the EU’s Digital Services Act.
3. The investigation into Meta and TikTok is part of the EU’s initiative to hold social platforms accountable for the content they show users, and both companies have been asked to respond to the request by October 25.
4. Social platforms should remove posts that might endanger public security under the EU’s Digital Services Act, and failure to comply can result in fines of up to 6% of the platform’s global turnover. The European Commission has also requested information on how these platforms protect the integrity of elections and minors.
## EU Launches Probe into Meta and TikTok Handling of Israel-Hamas Conflict
The European Union (EU) has initiated an investigation into how Meta (formerly Facebook) and TikTok address illegal content and disinformation related to the Israel and Hamas conflict. The EU is scrutinizing social platforms’ handling of false information and disinformation as a result of the ongoing war.
## EU Commissioner Accuses Twitter and Warns Meta
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has accused Twitter (referred to as X) of being a platform that spreads illegal content and disinformation. He has also warned Meta and TikTok of potentially violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). X has been blamed for the dissemination of terrorist content, violent content, and hate speech.
## New Investigation Part of EU’s DSA Initiative
The investigation into Meta and TikTok is part of the EU’s DSA initiative, which aims to hold social platforms accountable for the content they display to users. The European Commission has requested both companies to respond to their inquiries by October 25. Failure to comply or providing incorrect or misleading information may result in fines.
## Potential Consequences for Platforms
After reviewing the companies’ responses, the European Commission will determine the next steps. Platforms that do not remove posts endangering public security may face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover under the DSA. Additionally, the EU has requested further information from Meta and TikTok regarding election integrity and the protection of minors.
## Uncertainty Regarding Fines
It remains uncertain whether Meta and X will face fines for mishandling the Israel-Hamas conflict. X’s CEO has stated that tens of thousands of content pieces related to the conflict have been removed or labeled. The platform has also responded to over 80 takedown requests from the EU.
## Google Provides Relief Funds to Israel-Hamas Victims
Amidst the disputes between social platforms and the EU, Google has donated $8 million in relief funds to support victims of the Israel-Hamas war. The funds will be distributed among local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
