S&D call for global standards to curb big tech’s power

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the EU Parliament reportedly emphasized the need for global measures to safeguard democracies from the influence of Big Tech. 

They pointed out that social media platforms are increasingly impacting both democratic systems and citizens’ well-being. According to their perspective, the proliferation of disinformation is a significant issue affecting democracies worldwide. They also noted that earlier in the year, the EU Commission identified 50,000 fake accounts and bots on X (formerly Twitter) that were promoting disinformation narratives against the German Government.

S&D highlighted that the recent scandal around Elon Musk and Brazil indicates to what extent big techs try to behave without impunity before the law. Besides that, an expanded use of social media by the youth is having an effect on sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and self-esteem problems.

The socialists and democrats in the European Parliament also stressed that they will support the UN’s call for the enforcement of worldwide standards to ensure that social media platforms cannot be big machines profiting at the expense of our democracies.

How does disinformation fuel political unrest in Europe and Brazil?

Alex Saliba, the S&D vice president for communication, campaigns, and digital Europe, highlighted concerns about the growing impunity of tech giants. He pointed to recent violent riots in the UK fueled by online disinformation and Elon Musk’s defiance of Brazilian court orders, which led to the partial blocking of X in Brazil, as examples. 

Saliba argued that social media companies need greater accountability for spreading disinformation and praised the Digital Services Act as a crucial step by the EU to counteract these threats. He also urged the EU to support global measures in line with the UN Secretary’s call to address the challenges posed by social media platforms.

Also, Christel Schaldemose, EP vice-president and former rapporteur on the Digital Services Act (DSA) highlighted that under the socialists and democrats’ leadership, the EU adopted the DSA in 2022 to regulate online platforms and ensure that offline illegal activities are also banned online. She noted that while enforcement is still in the early stages, ongoing efforts with the Commission aim to ensure the DSA effectively addresses social media’s impact on democracy and mental health. 

Schaldemose emphasized the importance of considering how the DSA could help establish global standards for social media, given the EU’s geopolitical interest in defending democratic systems worldwide.

How is the Digital Services Act protecting young people online?

 Moreover, Laura Ballarin, S&D MEP and committee coordinator on internal market and consumer protection, stated that the Digital Services Act (DSA) has become essential for addressing the negative impacts of social media. She highlighted its role in protecting youth, particularly young girls, from harmful online content and combating the threat of disinformation to democracies. Ballarin emphasized that while Europe is at the forefront of online protection, global cooperation is necessary to establish international standards and counteract the chaotic state of the online environment.