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Meta, TikTok agree to EU measures against misinformation fueling Ceuta crisis
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Meta, TikTok agree to EU measures against misinformation fueling Ceuta crisis

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Meta and TikTok have agreed to voluntary measures with the EU to combat the spread of misinformation related to migrant flows into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
  • The companies will implement an ad-hoc mechanism for crisis situations and enhance cooperation with fact-checkers to identify and flag harmful disinformation.
  • These measures follow a period in late July when approximately 72,000 people arrived in Ceuta, with experts suggesting social media played a role in fueling the mass migration.

Social media giants Meta and TikTok have agreed to voluntary measures aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation concerning the recent mass migration into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The European Union announced that the companies behind Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will establish an ad-hoc mechanism for escalating situations and improve cooperation with fact-checkers.

"It was decided to introduce an ad-hoc mechanism in case of escalation and closer cooperation," stated Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari. These agreed-upon measures are designed to activate a system during crises that involves increased collaboration with fact-checkers. The goal is to identify and flag "harmful disinformation," particularly content related to potential renewed mass influxes. The EU indicated that further actions could follow if these measures prove insufficient.

In late July, an estimated 72,000 individuals arrived in Ceuta, which borders Morocco, either by land or by swimming. The majority of these migrants returned to Morocco shortly thereafter. Experts believe that misinformation circulating on social networks significantly fueled this mass exodus, with reports suggesting the border was open.

It was decided to introduce an ad-hoc mechanism in case of escalation and closer cooperation.

— Balazs UjvariCommission spokesperson, announcing the agreement with Meta and TikTok.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the company is "monitoring the situation in Ceuta in real-time and removing content that violates our policies – including content that offers, promotes, or seeks smuggling services." TikTok also stated that it takes action against content that could support smugglers.

These discussions between the EU and the tech companies occurred prior to the recent influx. The agreement aims to provide a framework for managing and mitigating the impact of disinformation during such critical events.

We are monitoring the situation in Ceuta in real-time and removing content that violates our policies – including content that offers, promotes, or seeks smuggling services.

— Meta spokespersonDescribing the company's actions regarding content related to the Ceuta migration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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