The European Union (EU) is conducting an investigation into Meta (formerly Facebook) over allegations of spreading Russian disinformation on its platform. The EU is utilizing its new powers under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to hold social media companies accountable for their data usage and advertising practices.
Previously, the EU had launched investigations into other platforms, including TikTok and X, for similar reasons. Now, Meta is facing scrutiny for the distribution of Russian-originated disinformation on its apps. The EU Commission suspects that Meta is not fulfilling its DSA obligations related to deceptive advertisements, disinformation campaigns, and coordinated inauthentic behavior in the EU.
While specific Russian-based operations are not mentioned by name, the investigation is said to be targeting a particular Russian-based group known for the “Doppelganger campaign.” This campaign imitates traditional news sources while promoting content favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policies.
Similar to Chinese-backed influence campaigns, this operation uses aggregated news, often generated by AI, to capture audience attention before introducing pro-government propaganda. As several major elections are approaching in the region, the EU Commission aims to ensure that Meta and other social media platforms take effective measures to counter such initiatives.
Meta claims to be actively addressing the issue. The company has already shut down various disinformation programs run by Russian groups, and it continues to improve its detection processes, according to Meta’s Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior reports.
