New Delhi: Ahead of the European Parliament elections scheduled next month, the European Union has formally initiated an investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, amid mounting concerns over the dissemination of disinformation on its platforms. The European Commission has cited Meta’s content moderation efforts as “insufficient,” particularly in addressing deceptive advertising and disinformation.
The investigation, announced Tuesday, focuses on several key areas, including deceptive advertisements and disinformation, visibility of political content, absence of an effective real-time civic discourse and election-monitoring tool, and mechanisms for flagging illegal content.
Meanwhile, a Reuters report quoted a Meta spokesperson’s response to the inquiry, saying: “We have a well-established process for identifying and mitigating risks on our platforms. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the European Commission and providing them with further details of this work.”
This inquiry falls under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect on 25 August last year to oversee the digital conduct of major technology firms, including Google, Facebook and Amazon, among others, and foster a more secure and transparent online environment for all users. The Meta investigation is the latest in a series of regulatory actions undertaken by EU authorities. Similar investigations into the content moderation practices of platforms like TikTok and ‘X’ (formerly) are also underway.
Under the provisions of the DSA, the European Commission can conduct raids on company premises, interview officials, and gather evidence to ensure compliance. Companies found in violation of the law could face fines of up to 6 percent of their global revenue, according to a report in The New York Times.
“Big digital platforms must live up to their obligations to put enough resources into this, and today’s (Tuesday) decision shows that we are serious about compliance. Protecting our democracies is a common fight with our Member States,” said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
The regulatory action comes amid growing concerns about foreign sources of disinformation, including Russia, China, and Iran, ahead of the EU election. A report by AI Forensics, a European civil society group, highlighted a Russian information network that was found to be purchasing misleading ads through fake accounts and other deceptive methods.
Protests in Georgia against ‘foreign influence’ bill’
Protests in Georgia turned violent Tuesday night as clashes erupted between security forces and thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Georgian Parliament to protest against a draft “foreign influence” bill. The bill, reportedly modelled on a 2012 Russian law, has sparked outrage among the public for being “autocratic.”
The proposed legislation mandates that any organisation obtaining over 20 percent of its finances from international sources must register as a “foreign agent.” Critics denounce this stipulation as authoritarian and reminiscent of policies from Moscow, according to a Reuters report.
The bill is slated for its third and final reading around 17 May. President Salome Zourabichvili has pledged to veto it, but the ruling Georgian Dream Party holds sufficient parliamentary support to override her veto.
While the Georgian Dream party argues that the bill “will enhance transparency”, it faces strong Opposition. Various MPs were reported expelled from the Parliament during the discussion over it.
Tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed to disperse the crowd on Rustaveli Avenue, leading to several injuries, including Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main Opposition party United National Movement (UNM).
The protests, which began in mid-April, have drawn significant participation from the youth. A similar legislation introduced last year had to be withdrawn from Parliament following widespread demonstrations.
While Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin reportedly claimed “Georgia is on the right track”, the EU has in a way warned Georgia against it.
“Georgia was granted EU candidate status and we expect Georgia to stay on that path, which is the people’s choice. People have the right to demonstrate against the law on foreign influence,” said the Finnish foreign minister Elina Valtonen.
The US too, expressed “deep concern” over the Georgian government’s choices, which it said have moved the country “away from its Euro-Atlantic future.”
Statement from Ambassador Dunnigan
I am deeply concerned that in recent weeks the Georgian government’s choices have moved the country away from its Euro-Atlantic future, a destination desired by the overwhelming majority of Georgians. Unfortunately, the ruling party appears…
— U.S. Embassy Tbilisi (@usingeo) May 2, 2024
Cuba faces cash shortage as people hoard currency
Cuba is facing a severe cash shortage with people assembling in long queues to withdraw money from ATMs for routine transactions like buying food and other essentials. This is being seen as one of the manifestations of the country’s complicated economic situation, strained by years of international sanctions and internal mismanagement.
Omar Everleny Pérez, a Cuban economist and university professor told the Associated Press, that this shortage is due to hoarding of currency.
Entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized businesses are reportedly holding onto pesos to exchange them for foreign currency on the informal market, where exchange rates are known to be highly volatile.
“There is money, yes, but not in the banks,” added Pérez.
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Solomon Islands’ new ‘pro-China’ PM
In the Solomon Islands’ parliamentary election Thursday, foreign minister Jeremiah Manele triumphed in a tight race, obtaining 31 votes through a confidential vote to become the country’s new Prime Minister. His rival, Opposition leader Matthew Wale, received 18 votes within the 50-seat parliament.
Manele’s appointment follows a national election that failed to produce a clear majority for any political party. In the absence of a decisive outcome, Manele and Wale sought support from independent lawmakers in the chamber leading up to the prime ministerial vote.
Manele, known to be pro-China and anti-West, is set to succeed Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Sogavare, also known for fostering strong ties with Beijing during his tenure, backed Manele’s candidacy.
According to a BBC report, in his address to the media following his win, Manele said, “I will at all times put the interests of our people and country above all others.” He added that his government would aim to improve the economic situation for people who have endured cost of living hikes.
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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