The European Union has accused Russia and China of campaigning with false messages in the corona virus crisis and is therefore demanding that social networks report monthly on their fight against disinformation. It is the first time that the EU has explicitly named China as the source of false news.
In order to better counter “fake news”, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter would also have to work more closely with fact checkers, according to a paper published by the EU Commission yesterday. She speaks of a „massive wave of false or misleading information“ in the coronavirus crisis, including foreign actors.
As an example, the Brussels authorities cite wrongful blame for the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The EU’s External Action Service reports on its website alone about 550 cases of Kremlin-friendly sources. Incorrect information about the corona virus is a threat to both health and social cohesion, the Commission warns. This includes the claim that drinking bleach can help against the virus.
