The importance of effective implementation and supervision of the EU regulatory framework on fake news, disinformation and propaganda was discussed on Thursday at a meeting House President Annita Demetriou had with European Commissioner responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection Michael McGrath.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a Conference titled ‘In the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges’, organized by the House of Representatives, in the context of the parliamentary dimension of the Cyprus EU Presidency. Commissioner McGrath was one of the keynote speakers.
According to a House announcement, referring to social media and the spread of fake news, disinformation, propaganda and foreign interventions aimed at influencing electoral processes, Demetriou underlined the EU’s obligation to protect every European citizen, especially young people, from these threats.
She also stressed that the regulations promoted at the EU level to further strengthen the legislative framework aimed at protection, accountability and transparency must be proactive and targeted.
Demetriou noted the importance that the House of Representatives attaches to safeguarding European values, democracy and the rule of law and to the need to promote participation and strengthen citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
Commissioner McGrath referred to the existing regulatory framework at EU level, highlighting the necessary reforms to further strengthen institutional protection, fairness and transparency.
He also stressed the importance of effective implementation and supervision of this framework at member state level.