In a significant step, on the 13th of February, 2025, the Commission and the European Board for Digital Services endorsed the integration of the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation into the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), therefore becoming the Code of Conduct on Disinformation. The Code of Conduct aims to combat disinformation risks while fully safeguarding the freedom of speech and promoting transparency under the DSA.
According to the DSA, very large online platforms (VLOPs) or very large online search engines (VLOSEs), such as Google, Meta and TikTok, are required to conduct risk assessments and audits to identify and address systemic risks on their platforms. Voluntary codes of conduct can address online issues, such as illegal content and disinformation, by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
While the Code remains voluntary under Article 45 of the DSA, full adherence will be considered a valid risk mitigation measure, and compliance with the commitments under the Code will also be part of the annual independent audit that these platforms are subject to.
Key obligations under the Code include reducing the visibility of disinformation by, inter alia, demonetizing false or misleading content, reducing fake accounts and bot-driven amplification, and enhancing fact-checking coverage across the EU.
The new Code of Conduct will officially take effect on the 1st of July 2025, from which point its commitments will become auditable under the DSA framework.
At Christys & Co LLC, Advocates and Legal Consultants, our team stays ahead of legal developments to ensure businesses are fully supported in meeting their compliance obligations.
