Google refuses EU rules on fact-checking content online


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Google has taken a firm stance against incorporating fact-checking organizations’ work into its Search and YouTube platforms, notifying European Union officials of its decision as the bloc moves to strengthen its disinformation regulations.

In a communication with the EU, the tech giant expressed its intention to withdraw from fact-checking commitments before they become legally binding under the Digital Services Act. The company’s global affairs president, Kent Walker, conveyed to European Commission executive Renate Nikolay that integrating fact-checking services wouldn’t serve their platforms effectively.

This development follows Google’s previous endorsement of the EU’s voluntary commitments in 2022, which sought to combat online misinformation. The current Code of Practice on Disinformation expects participating companies to work with fact-checkers across EU nations, ensure their work reaches users in all EU languages, and reduce monetary incentives for disinformation spread.

The requirements also encompass making disinformation more identifiable to users, implementing political advertisement labeling, and addressing issues like fake accounts and deceptive deep fakes. However, these measures remain voluntary for now.

Google’s resistance aligns with its historical approach, as the company has traditionally avoided incorporating fact-checking in its content oversight. During its initial agreement with the EU, Google had indicated limited control over establishing partnerships with fact-checking organizations.

While major platforms like Microsoft, TikTok, Twitch, and Meta have joined the initiative, commitment levels vary significantly. Twitter, now known as X, abandoned the agreement following Elon Musk’s takeover. The European Fact-Checking Standards Network has highlighted widespread non-compliance among participating platforms.

As the EU engages with participating companies to determine which measures will become mandatory under the DSA, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The European Commission has indicated the rules may not take effect until January 2025 or later.