Meta, Google, Twitter and Microsoft agree to do more to tackle fake news as EU gets stricter

Big tech companies like Meta, Google, Twitter, and Microsoft, among others, have signed an updated Code of Practice on disinformation, committing to combat deep fakes, fake accounts, and political advertising. Failure to comply might lead to substantial fines, and potential sanctions could involve banning companies from Europe. Compliance progress must be reported by early 2023, with a six-month deadline for implementation.

Last Thursday, more than 30 signatories including big tech companies like Meta, Google, Twitter, TikTok, Twitch and Microsoft have committed to the updated Code of Practice on disinformation. The signatories agree to do more to tackle deep fakes, fake accounts and political advertising. According to the European Commission, an updated EU code of practice could hit them with substantial fines if they fail to do so. The companies have a six month period to comply with their word and will have to present a progress report at the beginning of 2023. EU industry chief Thierry Breton said that sanctions may include banning companies from Europe.