A Safer Digital Space: Mapping the EU Policy Landscape to Combat Online Disinformation and Hate Speech

The European Union is on track to establish groundbreaking standards as the first jurisdiction globally to regulate online disinformation and hate speech comprehensively. This journey began in June 2022, with major tech companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google, alongside numerous civil society organizations, signing the EU's Strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation.

Representing the culmination of meticulous planning over several years, this commitment involves a range of voluntary measures. These measures span from demonetizing sources of disinformation to bolstering fact-checking services and ensuring transparency in online political advertisements. The initiative is a response to the collective challenges faced by the EU's 27 member states in dealing with the surge of online disinformation and hate speech, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These events underscore the dangerous potential of digital falsehoods to sow discord, disrupt democratic dialogue, and destabilize societies.

As the EU prepares for the adoption of the Digital Services Act (DSA), individual member states are actively gearing up for its implementation. This report explores the diverse approaches taken by these nations to combat the threats posed by disinformation and hate speech. While some countries have increased penalties for online hate speech, the varied scope of protected characteristics across member states makes a unified definition challenging. Additionally, distinct guidelines on how online platforms should respond to violations highlight the divergence in regulatory approaches.

The DSA, a pivotal piece of legislation, integrates national laws, emphasizing the need for harmonization among member states due to the varying legal landscapes related to illegal behavior. The report also delves into the extensive impact of the DSA on existing regulations, necessitating adaptations or replacements, as exemplified by Germany's NetzDG law. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the urgent need to safeguard democratic societies from disinformation campaigns has become glaringly apparent. Member states have responded with a combination of legislative and non-legislative initiatives.

Going beyond legal analyses, this report sheds light on how individual member states have become policy laboratories, introducing innovative approaches to engage citizens and the private sector in combating disinformation and hate speech. For a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic strategies and solutions shaping a safer, more resilient digital environment, read the full report.