Today, the European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services endorsed the integration of the voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation into the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This makes the Code a benchmark for platforms compliance with the DSA.
In January 2025, the signatories, including major platforms like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok, submitted documents to convert the Code into a DSA Code of Conduct. The Code needs to meet specific criteria under the DSA to be recognized as such.
The Commission and the Board gave positive assessments, endorsing its official integration. Full adherence to the Code may be considered an appropriate risk mitigation measure for VLOPs and VLOSEs, making it a crucial benchmark for DSA compliance. Compliance will be part of the annual independent audit under the DSA.
The Code of Conduct on Disinformation
The Code is a robust set of commitments recognized across the industry. It includes areas like:
- Demonetisation: cutting financial incentives for disinformation;
- Transparency of political advertising: better labelling for users;
- Integrity of services: reducing fake accounts and malicious behaviour;
- Empowering users and fact-checkers: better tools and data access.
These measures aim to combat disinformation while upholding free speech and transparency.
Recommendations for Implementation
The Commission and the Board recommend that signatories implement the Code with considerations such as a Rapid Response System for elections and crises, and providing necessary data for effective measurement of indicators.
Next Steps
The Code will be effective from July 1, 2025, aligning with the DSA audit schedule. The Commission will monitor its objectives as per Article 45 of the DSA.
Background
Introduced in 2018, the Code was a voluntary collaboration among platforms and the advertising industry. It was strengthened in 2022, with a growing signatory base, and has proved effective in fostering cooperation, especially during elections.