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EU Study Reveals X (Twitter) Leads in Disinformation Among Social Media Platforms, (from page 20231022.)

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Summary

A European Commission study indicates that X (formerly Twitter) has the highest proportion of disinformation among major social media platforms. The research analyzed over 6,000 posts from Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube in Spain, Poland, and Slovakia, countries vulnerable to disinformation due to elections and the Ukraine conflict. EU Commissioner Vera Jourova emphasized the need for X to comply with regulations under the Digital Services Act, especially after the platform withdrew from a voluntary disinformation code. The EU has accused social media firms of inadequately addressing Russian disinformation campaigns, which have intensified since the Ukraine war. Jourova also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat AI-generated disinformation ahead of elections.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Disinformation Dominance on X X has the highest proportion of disinformation among major social networks, according to a recent study. Shift from social media being seen as neutral platforms to being recognized as significant sources of disinformation. In 10 years, disinformation could reshape political discourse and public trust in social media platforms. Increasing political polarization and the rise of automated disinformation tactics. 4
EU Regulatory Pressure The EU is intensifying regulations on social media companies regarding disinformation practices. Transition from voluntary compliance to mandatory regulations for social media companies in the EU. By 2033, social media platforms may operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, impacting their business models. The need for accountability in the age of misinformation and digital manipulation. 5
AI in Disinformation Combat The EU is addressing AI-generated disinformation ahead of elections, indicating a focus on technological solutions. From reactive measures against disinformation to proactive technological interventions. AI could be extensively utilized to detect and mitigate disinformation in real-time on social media. Advancements in AI technology and its potential role in safeguarding information integrity. 4
Russian Disinformation Campaigns The EU highlights increased Kremlin-backed disinformation efforts post-Ukraine invasion. Shift from localized disinformation to coordinated international campaigns targeting European democracies. In a decade, geopolitical tensions could leverage digital platforms for widespread disinformation efforts. Geopolitical conflicts and the use of information as a weapon in modern warfare. 5
Withdrawal from Voluntary Codes X’s withdrawal from the disinformation code reflects a growing tension between tech companies and regulatory bodies. From self-regulation to enforced compliance through legal frameworks for tech companies. By 2033, tech companies may face severe penalties and stricter oversight in handling disinformation. The ongoing struggle between regulatory authorities and tech giants over information governance. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Disinformation Proliferation The significant spread of disinformation on social media, particularly on X, poses risks to democratic processes and public perception. 5
Regulatory Compliance Challenges Tech companies may struggle to comply with new regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act, risking substantial financial penalties. 4
Manipulation via Information Warfare State-sponsored campaigns, particularly from Russia, aim to distort public opinion and undermine democracy through disinformation. 5
AI-Generated Disinformation Threats The use of AI to create and spread disinformation could complicate efforts to combat misinformation during critical political events. 4
Impact on Elections Disinformation campaigns could significantly impact upcoming elections in Europe, threatening the integrity of democratic processes. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Increased Scrutiny of Social Media Platforms Regulatory bodies like the EU are intensifying oversight of social media platforms to ensure compliance with laws against disinformation. 5
Regulatory Response to Disinformation Governments are implementing and enforcing stricter regulations, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, to combat disinformation. 5
AI in Disinformation Mitigation There is a growing focus on addressing AI-generated disinformation, especially in the context of upcoming elections. 4
Targeted Disinformation Campaigns Countries are increasingly becoming targets of disinformation campaigns, particularly around significant events like elections or conflicts. 5
Voluntary to Mandatory Compliance Shift The transition of voluntary codes of practice to mandatory regulations signifies a shift in approach to managing online disinformation. 4
International Collaboration against Disinformation Countries and organizations are collaborating to tackle disinformation, particularly with the influence of foreign entities like Russia. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Companies like TrustLab that focus on monitoring and analyzing disinformation across social media platforms. 4 5793d28b92e90a64b918cfaefad509db
EU legislation regulating large tech platforms, transitioning voluntary codes into enforceable conduct rules. 5 5793d28b92e90a64b918cfaefad509db
Technologies and methods developed to detect and mitigate disinformation created by artificial intelligence. 5 5793d28b92e90a64b918cfaefad509db

Issues

name description relevancy
Disinformation on Social Media Growing prevalence of disinformation on platforms like X, particularly affecting sensitive political contexts in Europe. 5
Regulatory Compliance for Tech Platforms Tech companies like X face new legal obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act to mitigate disinformation. 4
Impact of Russian Disinformation Campaigns Increased influence of Russian disinformation efforts, especially related to the Ukraine war and European elections. 5
AI-Generated Disinformation Emerging concern over the role of AI in creating and spreading disinformation, necessitating regulatory discussions. 4
Elections and Information Integrity The intersection of upcoming elections in Europe with the need for safeguarding against disinformation. 5