David Bridges
In a significant shift following Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement regarding Meta‘s decision to cease fact-checking, Google is making headlines by opting out of a new European Union law mandating fact-checking. This move not only reflects a growing trend among tech giants but also signals a broader strategy to align with political shifts, particularly in light of the recent electoral developments in the U.S. While some may view this as a power play, it is essential to note that Google has historically not integrated robust fact-checking mechanisms into its search functionalities or on its platform YouTube, which it owns.
At this moment, Google isn’t retracting any existing policies but is rather choosing not to enhance its current practices regarding fact-checking. A letter from Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, addressed to Renate Nikolay, who oversees content and technology within the European Commission, reveals the company’s firm stance against complying with the EU’s Code of Practice on Disinformation. This document underscores the tech giant’s unwillingness to adopt new obligations that would integrate fact-checking into its algorithms.
The EU Code would impose requirements on Google to enhance its search engine ranking and YouTube algorithms with dedicated fact-checking capabilities. While participation in this code has been voluntary and not legally binding, many major social media platforms including Meta and Twitter (prior to its acquisition by Elon Musk) had previously agreed to its terms. As highlighted by The Verge, the European Fact-Checking Standards Network has indicated that many platforms that initially committed to the code are now backtracking on their promises.
The disinformation code was established prior to the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s official content moderation law, which became effective in 2022. Unlike the disinformation code, the DSA is legally binding, raising questions about the potential integration of disinformation policies under its framework. Observers are keen to see how Big Tech companies like Google will respond to these future regulatory developments, especially in light of their recent policy choices.
In his letter to the European Commission, Google explicitly stated its intention to withdraw from all commitments related to fact-checking within the Code of Practice before it transitions into a DSA Code of Conduct. This declaration not only illustrates Google‘s current stance but also reflects a larger trend among technology firms to reassess their roles and responsibilities in the fight against misinformation.
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Daniel Mercer
