The EU Parliament calls for strict action against Meta and X amid concerns of Russian propaganda, while Italian political factions show division.
The European Parliament has passed a resolution with significant support, urging robust measures against social media platforms Meta and X regarding their content verification and moderation practices.
The resolution, approved by 480 votes in favor, 58 against, and 48 abstentions, highlights concerns that relaxing these rules could facilitate the spread of disinformation campaigns, particularly those linked to Russia.
The resolution comes amidst ongoing global scrutiny about the role of online platforms in disseminating disinformation, especially highlighted during the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
The call to action includes the need for enhanced media literacy and support for quality journalism to combat such misinformation effectively.
Moreover, the document is non-binding but strongly emphasizes the importance of the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), advocating for its rigorous application by member states as a countermeasure to disinformation.
The text also proposes a continent-wide prohibition on the use of Nazi and Soviet communist symbols across EU territories.
Within Italy, responses to the resolution varied, reflecting differing political perspectives.
The Lega abstained from the vote, while political groups such as the 5-Star Movement and Sinistra Italiana opposed the resolution.
This division highlights the complexities and domestic challenges faced in addressing transnational issues like digital governance and freedom of expression.
The EU's strategy in countering disinformation may have broader implications, influencing future regulatory approaches on tech giants
Mark Zuckerberg's Meta and
Elon Musk's X. The resolution underscores the European commitment to addressing the perceived threat of foreign interference and the influential power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse.