In 2018, the EU implemented the Code of Practice on Disinformation, which was signed by the major platforms as well as digital advertising bodies. Under this self-regulatory code, the platforms committed to develop safeguards against disinformation by increasing transparency around advertising and developing effective content policies. The European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) has been tasked with evaluating the platforms’ implementation of and compliance with the Code.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has commissioned FuJo to undertake research for three reports:
Elect Check (2019): In April 2019 European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) established a research project covering 13 member states to monitor the political advertising archives established by Facebook, Google and Twitter prior to the European elections in May 2019. This work was undertaken to support the European Commission in monitoring the implementation of the commitments made by Google, Facebook and Twitter under the self-regulatory Code of Practice on Disinformation. The platforms advised ERGA to rely on the online libraries or archives of adverts that were made publicly available ahead of the elections. This report summarises the data and key findings in relation to the monitoring of these archives conducted in Ireland.
Code Check (2020): In 2020, ERGA undertook a review of the progress made by Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft on the implementation of the Code of Practice on Disinformation. Focusing on Ireland, FuJo analysed the self-assessment reports submitted by each platforms over a 12month period. The report found that while the four platforms have introduced various actions aimed at empowering Irish consumers, the level of engagement was mixed and inconsistent.
Covid-19 Disinformation (2021): In response to concerns about COVID-19 disinformation, the European Commission issued a Joint Communication in June 2020: Tackling COVID-19 disinformation – Getting the facts right. It established a COVID-19 monitoring programme for the six platform signatories of the voluntary EU Code of Practice on Disinformation: Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, TikTok, and Twitter. These platforms were asked to report on their policies and actions to address COVID-19 disinformation. FuJo is currently researching platforms' reports on their actions to address this.
