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X, TikTok and other big online platforms will be subject to EU fines for lax moderation within weeks, as Brussels rolls out its first binding regime to fight election disinformation.
The guidelines, designed to counter online threats to the integrity of elections, are to be adopted by the European Commission as soon as next week, according to people familiar with the plans.
Under the requirements, which will end years of self-regulation for the industry, platforms that fail to adequately tackle artificial intelligence-powered disinformation or deepfakes could face fines of up to 6 per cent of global turnover.
The introduction of the guidelines marks a significant shift in how platforms are held accountable in Europe for mitigating systemic risks, such as mass manipulation campaigns, fake content or malicious attempts to suppress voter turnout.
With European elections to be held in June, senior EU officials have been particularly concerned over potentially destabilising attacks from Russian agents.
During election periods, social media platforms and search engines would be expected to set up dedicated teams to scrutinise the risks of online disinformation in 23 different languages across the bloc, said two people familiar with the guidelines.
They will need to show they are working closely with cyber security agents across the EU’s 27 member states.
While the guidelines are broadly drafted, the code is legally enforceable as part of the Digital Services Act, a core piece of legislation aimed at setting the rules on how Big Tech should police the internet.
“Social media platforms need to show that they are complying or explain what else they are doing to mitigate risks,” said one EU official. “If they don’t explain, we issue a fine.”
Platforms covered by the requirements include Snapchat, YouTube and Meta’s Facebook. The guidelines would apply from the point they are adopted, which could come as soon as next week.
Thierry Breton, the commissioner in charge of enforcing the DSA, said 2024 was “a pivotal year” for elections and that it was crucial big online platforms and search engines “take measures to mitigate risks related to electoral processes”.
“This is why the commission will issue specific election guidelines further specifying risk mitigation measures and best practices, notably around generative AI content,” he said.
