The European Union is taking action against social media websites for their anti-Israel propaganda.
In an attempt to ensure domestic peace, European states have taken steps to prevent misinformation from escalating protests on their soil. CNBC reports:
Facebook parent company Meta and Chinese-owned social media app TikTok have both been given a deadline of Oct. 25 by the European Commission to share information on their response to the Israel-Hamas war, which has seen misinformation in the digital sphere spread alongside the physical conflict.
It asked Meta to provide more information “on the measures it has taken to comply with obligations related to risk assessments and mitigation measures to protect the integrity of elections and following the terrorist attacks across Israel by Hamas, in particular with regard to the dissemination and amplification of illegal content and disinformation.”
In Europe, politicians are much more willing and able to investigate large social media companies. Politico says:
American politicians have been reduced to issuing sternly worded letters while their European counterparts deliver threats with potentially expensive consequences. In Brussels, officials have already launched an investigation of Elon Musk’s X, and have the power to fine companies for hosting violent content and disinformation.
In Washington, powerful members of Congress largely sputtered, issuing public demands for social media accountability with no clear way to enforce them.
America does have a First Amendment that prevents speech regulation. However, Congress does have the power to investigate large companies for anti-competitive practices. It can also hold federal contracts to make sure large companies are doing what they can to not interfere with American Foreign Policy.
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