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EU is Fully Enforcing Social Media Rules, Says Digital Chief

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The European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to fully enforcing the rules governing social media and other large online platforms, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen emphasized on Wednesday that no investigations have been delayed, contrary to some reports suggesting otherwise.

Enforcement of Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act

Virkkunen addressed concerns over potential delays in cases against major U.S. tech companies such as Apple, Meta, and Google, clarifying that these investigations are still in the technical phase. This phase involves ongoing exchanges with the companies involved, and decisions have not yet been made. She stated, “There haven’t been any delays,” and reassured that the EU is “fully enforcing the DMA and the DSA.”

These acts are designed to ensure a fair and safe online environment, applying antitrust obligations under the DMA and content moderation rules under the DSA. Virkkunen stressed that the acts were powerful tools that applied to all companies, including European firms, operating within the EU. She also highlighted that the DSA protects freedom of speech, contradicting claims that it limits it.

Meta’s Concerns on Censorship

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently criticized the increasing number of laws in Europe, describing them as institutionalizing censorship. In response to these concerns, Zuckerberg also called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to take action against the EU’s fines on U.S. tech companies, as Meta ended its U.S. fact-checking programs last week. Zuckerberg’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between European regulators and U.S. tech giants over content moderation and regulatory compliance.

 

EU Airlines Approve Google’s Proposed Search Result Changes under Digital Markets Act

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Google’s proposed updates to its search result presentation, aimed at complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), have received support from Airlines for Europe, a lobbying group representing major carriers like Air France KLM and Lufthansa.

The DMA mandates that tech giants like Google cannot prioritize their own products and services on their platforms, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover. Google has recently rolled out multiple adjustments to its search result formats to address demands from various stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, price-comparison websites, and small retailers. The latest modifications were announced in November.

Airlines for Europe commended Google’s proposed horizontal layout, which features equally sized boxes for airlines and comparison sites, as well as the use of the color blue to distinguish these elements from other search results. However, the group highlighted several areas for improvement in a letter to the European Commission dated December 20.

KEY CONCERNS AND SUGGESTIONS

  1. Price Consistency: Airlines for Europe stressed the need for displayed prices in the graphics to align with those within the search result boxes.
  2. Specific Dates: The group criticized Google’s proposal for indicative dates in search results, arguing that precise dates are essential for consumers booking air travel. The switch to vague dates, they warned, would significantly degrade the user experience.

Despite these concerns, the airline industry indicated its willingness to compromise in pursuit of a DMA-compliant solution.

POTENTIAL REVERSION TO OLD FORMAT

In response to ongoing disagreements among airlines, price-comparison websites, and other stakeholders, Google has indicated that it might revert to its older format of 10 plain blue links in search results. This format, used in the past, may be reintroduced if no consensus can be reached on compliant designs.

The European Commission continues to review Google’s efforts to align with the DMA, which is intended to level the playing field among digital platforms and their competitors. Airlines for Europe’s endorsement signals progress in balancing the needs of airlines and consumer interests while adhering to EU regulations.

 

EU Launches Investigation into TikTok Over Election Interference

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On Tuesday, the European Commission officially opened formal proceedings against TikTok over concerns regarding its failure to prevent election interference, particularly during Romania’s presidential election last month.

Focus of the Investigation

The Commission’s investigation will primarily examine TikTok’s policies on political advertisements, including paid political content, and the platform’s recommendation systems to determine whether they could be manipulated to influence elections. TikTok will be required to provide detailed information about its content moderation practices and the risks associated with these systems.

The investigation, which could lead to further enforcement actions or commitments from TikTok, has no set timeline for completion. However, the opening of formal proceedings allows the Commission to take further steps if necessary.

TikTok’s Defense

In response, TikTok, owned by China’s Bytedance, defended its actions, stating that it had safeguarded the integrity of its platform across more than 150 elections globally. TikTok emphasized that it does not accept paid political advertisements and actively removes content that violates its policies, such as misinformation and hate speech.

On December 5, the European Commission ordered TikTok to freeze data related to the Romanian election under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which governs the operation of major social media companies in Europe. The Romanian court later annulled the election due to allegations of Russian interference and the victory of pro-Russia ultranationalist Calin Georgescu.

Broader Context and Future Elections

The Commission is concerned about potential foreign interference in upcoming elections, such as Germany’s parliamentary election in February and Croatia’s presidential election starting on December 29. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the need to act swiftly and firmly against any foreign interference, particularly during elections.

This marks the third investigation the European Commission has opened against TikTok under the DSA, with previous cases focusing on risks to minors. One investigation was closed after TikTok agreed to remove its TikTok Lite Rewards program in the EU.