EU Tracking ‘Spread of Disinformation’ on Slovak PM’s Shooting

Regulators can punish platforms that fail to stem fake news
EU’s new Digital Services Act imposes tough rules on Big Tech

Robert Fico
Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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By Peter Chapman and Samuel Stolton

May 16, 2024 at 12:36 PM UTC

Updated on

May 16, 2024 at 4:12 PM UTC

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The European Commission said it’s “actively monitoring” the spread of fake news about Wednesday’s shooting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and warned it can slap Big Tech platforms with fines for failing to tackle disinformation.

The regulator “is equipped with wide-ranging investigatory and supervisory powers, including the power to impose sanctions and remedies,” it said in an emailed statement.