Warning before elections: Networks must comply with new EU rules

A few weeks before the state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, the EU Commission has urged social networks to comply with European rules against disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference. The Commission will also monitor whether online platforms comply with the requirements of the new Digital Services Act during the upcoming national, regional and local elections, according to a report published in Brussels on control measures ahead of the European elections in June.

The Digital Services Act requires major internet platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X in the EU to mitigate risks associated with electoral processes while respecting fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of expression. One guideline, for example, stipulates that online platforms and search engines should prioritize official information about the electoral processes. Another stipulates that content generated using artificial intelligence (AI) must be clearly labeled.

Before the European elections, the EU Commission had opened proceedings against the Facebook and Instagram group Meta and against X on suspicion of violations of EU law. Among other things, they are investigating whether the companies did not comply with European rules when dealing with political advertising or in the fight against information manipulation.

With regard to the control measures prior to the European elections in June, the EU Commission has drawn a positive balance. The current assessment is that there were no major or systemic incidents that disrupted the course of the European elections, the report states. The number of incidents was in line with expectations and the preparations and coordinated responses had paid off.

In Germany, the state parliaments in Saxony and Thuringia will be re-elected on September 1 and Brandenburg on September 22. According to polls, the right-wing populist AfD could become the strongest party in all three federal states. There is a threat of difficult government formations.