Digital Platform Power Play – European Responses

On 19 February 2024, Dr Josef Trappel, Head of Department, gave a lecture at the Ateneo Manila University (School of Social Sciences). The lecture deals with the historical spread of disinformation and fake news. In particular, the dissemination during wars and due to vested interests will be discussed. The special features of the digital age will be emphasised. These include the widespread dissemination and low barriers to access. It also reports on the European Union’s reactions to these challenges.

Abstract

Disinformation and fake news are not an achievement of our time. Wars have been a favourite breeding ground, as have all kinds of vested interests. What distinguishes the digital age from earlier times are the enormous leverage of distribution and the low barriers to entry. This leverage is firmly rooted in the cyber economy which enables global oligopolies and monopolies in the sensitive areas of information and entertainment. While early cyber pundits vigorously rejected any public intervention, the European Union thinks and acts differently: The Digital Market Act, the Digital Services Act, the Media Freedom Act all target obvious weaknesses in platform-dominated cyberspace. Seen this way, Europe attempts to extend rule of law to cyberspace.