Meta’s recent decision to implement “community ratings” as a new method of content moderation for Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram in the United States has sparked significant debate, particularly in Europe where the change does not apply.
The shift away from traditional fact-checking aims to enhance freedom of expression, but it has raised questions regarding its potential impact on platform accountability and the spread of misinformation.
Meta’s New Approach in the United States
Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement on January 12 introduces “community ratings” as a tool where users can rate the accuracy and credibility of posts, essentially replacing the role of professional fact-checkers. Meta argues that this change will empower users to contribute to content moderation, offering greater freedom of expression.
However, these changes will be limited to the U.S., as the European Union (EU) has stricter regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires platforms to conduct risk assessments before modifying their content moderation policies.
The European Union’s Response to Meta’s Shift
In light of Meta’s new approach, EU regulators are keeping a close watch. Thomas Regnier, a spokesperson for the European Commission, commented that while the EU does not dictate specific policies, any moderation model must be effective and in compliance with the DSA.
The DSA mandates that large platforms must adhere to rigorous transparency and accountability standards to prevent the spread of harmful content. If a platform violates these regulations, the EU can impose fines of up to 6% of the company’s global annual turnover.
EU’s Enforcement Mechanisms and Measures
While some critics argue that the DSA’s enforcement mechanisms can be slow, the EU has alternative tools for handling severe cases. J. Scott Marcus, of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), cited the EU’s decision to block Russia Today and Sputnik after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an example of swift action.
The potential for fines, sanctions, and other regulatory actions highlights the high stakes involved as EU regulators strive to balance freedom of expression with content moderation and platform responsibility.
The Upcoming Discussions on Platform Regulations
On January 24, key stakeholders, including the European Commission, German regulators, and major digital platforms, will meet to discuss the future of platform regulations. This conversation is especially important as it comes ahead of Germany’s early elections in February, with the EU aiming to ensure that platforms remain compliant with the Digital Services Act during this crucial political period.