Brussels says its task is to ensure a safe digital environment in Europe – Economy

The executive vice-president of the European Commission stated this Saturday that her task is to ensure that legislation is respected on European territory and that a “safe and fair” digital environment is guaranteed.

In a communication on her social networks, the executive vice-president of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty and Security, Henna Virkkunen, argued that Brussels must guarantee that “the rights of European citizens are respected” and that legislation is complied with, in order to fair conditions of competition and a safe environment “for all” are ensured.

Finnish policy has recognized the important role that social networks play in people’s everyday lives, as well as their social and economic influence.

Given its preponderance, Brussels wants to “create a digital environment that is safe and fair”, he said.

Henna Virkkunen’s statements come after a week that was once again marked by statements from the owner of the social network formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk, in favor of far-right parties in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

At the same time, the multinational Meta (which owns the social networks Facebook and Instagram) decided to end its program to combat disinformation on its platforms in the United States, seen as a measure to please American president-elect Donald Trump and his allies.

If Meta moves forward with its desire to suspend its program to combat disinformation in the European Union, the multinational would have to send a risk assessment to the European Commission, so that the institution could determine whether or not it would be complying with community legislation on digital services.

Community sources cited by the Spanish news agency Efe stated that Meta has already sent this document and that the European Commission will be analyzing it. In any case, Brussels considers fact-checking on social media to be an “effective way to mitigate systemic risks”, but will be open to accepting other options, as long as they are equally effective.