The European Union is poised to expand the responsibilities of major online platforms, requiring them to actively combat “hybrid threats” such as deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation, in a new push to protect democracy.
The European Commission is preparing to propose a document, dubbed the “European Democracy Shield.” This initiative aims to counter foreign interference and information manipulation, particularly from Russia, and to safeguard democratic processes across the EU.
The proposal would mandate online platforms falling under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to manage these complex threats. It specifically targets the analysis and counteraction of deepfake and AI-generated content that could impact elections.
Tech companies like TikTok, Google, and Microsoft, which are signatories to the Code of Practice on Disinformation, will be urged to participate. They are expected to collaborate on identifying and responding to these evolving threats.
The Commission plans to work with these platforms, national government agencies, and other sectors. The objective is to establish mechanisms that can better detect, disrupt, and respond to hybrid threats.
The EU defines hybrid threats as planned attacks combining economic, technological, or other non-conventional tactics. This can include coordinated disinformation campaigns or efforts to manipulate political thought through social media.
The Digital Services Act, which came into effect last year, already obligates online platform providers to enhance their management of illegal or harmful content. The new initiative builds on these existing regulations.
The document is expected to be formally submitted by November 13.