A new report by the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) assesses how major online platforms are implementing the EU’s Code of Practice on Disinformation (CoPD) ahead of its formal adoption under the Digital Services Act on July 1, 2025. The review covers actions taken between January and June 2024 by Meta, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
The Code, originally introduced in 2018 and revised in 2022, outlines voluntary commitments for Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines (VLOPSEs) to tackle online disinformation. The report evaluates compliance and effectiveness across key areas such as media literacy, fact-checking, transparency, and researcher access.
Findings reveal limited and inconsistent efforts across platforms. While some initiatives exist—like Google’s prebunking tools or TikTok’s fact-checking partnerships: most platforms lack transparency, measurable impact data, or independent verification. Microsoft’s reporting was found to be especially weak, while Meta’s future commitment appears uncertain.
The evaluation draws from transparency reports, expert surveys, and independent verification by EDMO researchers. Despite some promising practices, no platform fully meets expectations for accountability or effectiveness.
EDMO recommends stronger reporting obligations and independent audits to ensure meaningful progress. The report sets a benchmark as the EU prepares to enforce stricter digital governance and fight online misinformation more effectively.
