The European Commission announced today that it is launching an investigation into the spread of “false information” and “illegal content” on the social networks Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and TikTok, following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.

The Commission sent a formal request for information to these two platforms as part of the new European legislation on digital services (DSA).

Specifically, requests information on the measures taken by Meta and TikTok to comply with their obligations related to assessing and reducing the risk of the spread of illegal content and disinformation, following the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.

Especially from TikTok, the Commission asks for more information on the measures it has taken to reduce the risk of the spread of illegal content, in particular the spread of terrorist and violent content and hate speech and disinformation. In addition, the Commission’s request concerns TikTok’s compliance with the protection of minors online.

It is recalled that the Commission warned him a few days ago Mask how it has indications for dissemination of illegal content and misinformation in X about the Hamas-Israel war and threatened it with penalties for violation of the regulation DSA.

Meta and Tik-Tok have deadline to respond to the Commission as of October 25, 2023. Based on the responses, the Commission will assess the next steps. Under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), the Commission can impose fines for inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information in response to its request.

“We will not let fear and disinformation divide us or undermine our democracy,” Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said yesterday from the European Parliament.