EU tells Meta, TikTok to boost monitoring, fact-checking

admin

Official Verified Account

Admin

posted on 1 month ago — updated on 1 second ago

2
views

The EU's tech chief called on Meta and TikTok to "act decisively" to stem disinformation at times of crisis, saying the European Commission held talks with both platforms Friday following last week's Ceuta migrant surge.

August 8, 2026

edited by Alexander Pol

Deputy Editor

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

reputable news agency

proofread

Add as preferred source

TikTok Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A wave of social media disinformation is believed to have played a large part in the deadly rush of tens of thousands of men, women and children into Spain's North African territory after a rumor that the Ceuta border was open spread on social media.

"Platforms must act decisively in keeping the integrity of the digital space, in particular during crisis situations," said Henna Virkkunen, commissioner for tech sovereignty, security and democracy.

"Monitoring must increase, cooperation with fact-checkers must be strengthened," Virkkunen said, adding the EU would be "following up on Monday."

Spain moved swiftly to send people back from Ceuta, announcing Tuesday that of 72,000 people who entered the enclave from Morocco on July 30–31, all but 2,000 had returned. Spanish authorities said 80 people died in the crossings.

The incident was seized upon by right-wing voices as evidence Europe is under siege from uncontrolled immigration. It has caused a diplomatic rift between Spain and fellow EU member Italy, which pushes a tough line on migration.

The EU's migration chief, Magnus Brunner, on Tuesday described the Ceuta episode as a "test" of the bloc's border security and "resilience to disinformation."

The crossings were "fueled by criminal smuggling networks and also disinformation," Brunner said, while cautioning it was "too early" to say who was behind the online "instrumentalization" of the situation—whether smugglers or a foreign power such as Russia.

He warned, however, that the EU "must strengthen our capacity to follow misinformation trends on social media, working hand in hand with Europol and all other EU agencies."

An open-source investigation by technology company Golden Owl concluded "with a high degree of confidence" that the migrant rush "was a deliberately organized operation."

PhD nano-engineering from Delft University. Published researcher and journal reviewer. Brings scientific insight to content standards. Full profile →

Aug 5, 2026

Aug 6, 2026

Aug 5, 2026

Aug 6, 2026

5 hours ago

Aug 7, 2026

Aug 6, 2026

Oct 19, 2023

Oct 12, 2023

Oct 11, 2023

Feb 9, 2023