EU urges tech giants to bolster fact-checking after Ceuta crisis

The European Union is demanding that tech giants Meta and TikTok take more decisive action to combat disinformation, particularly during crisis situations. EU Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, Henna Virkkunen, stated that platforms must "resolutely protect the integrity of the digital space," especially when dealing with events like the recent migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

The influx of tens of thousands of people from Morocco into Ceuta was reportedly amplified by social media rumors claiming the border was open. The EU has met with both tech companies to discuss these concerns, emphasizing the need for intensified monitoring and stronger collaboration with fact-checkers. The EU plans to follow up on these discussions early next week.

Spain acted swiftly to manage the situation, returning most of the migrants to Morocco, though around 80 are reported to have died attempting the sea crossing. The events have been seized upon by the European right, framing it as evidence of uncontrolled immigration overwhelming Europe. The Danish parliament is also set to debate the issue.

The situation in Ceuta has also created diplomatic friction between Spain and Italy, countries with differing approaches to migration policy. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, previously described the events as a test of the EU's border security and its resilience against disinformation.

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Platformene skal handle resolut for at beskytte det digitale rums integritet, især i krisesituationer.