UPDATE — JULY 2025: This article remains accurate and reflects current enforcement practices under the Digital Services Act. The European Commission’s election integrity guidelines continue to serve as a cornerstone for online platform oversight, especially in cross-border electoral contexts.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
European Commission Unveils Guidelines to Safeguard Election Integrity Online
To strengthen electoral transparency and trust in the digital age, the European Commission has unveiled comprehensive guidelines targeting Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines. These platforms—those reaching more than 45 million users in the EU—must now take concrete steps to reduce risks that threaten fair elections. The guidelines are part of the broader enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and focus on the 2024 European Parliament elections.
Election-Specific Risk Mitigation
The Commission’s approach to safeguarding elections is multifaceted. Platforms are urged to:
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Build internal teams specifically for election risk monitoring
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Use local context analysis to adapt strategies
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Promote official voting information
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Adjust recommender systems to curb the spread of disinformation
Media literacy efforts and clear labeling of AI-generated content—including deepfakes—are also central. Platforms must update their terms of service and improve content moderation practices to combat manipulation and misinformation.
Collaboration and Response Planning
The guidelines stress collaboration with EU and national authorities, civil society groups, and external experts. This coordination is crucial to monitor disinformation campaigns, foreign influence, and cyber threats. Platforms should implement incident response mechanisms during elections to act quickly if false or harmful content could affect voter turnout or election results.
After each election, platforms are encouraged to conduct reviews of their actions. These post-election assessments should be shared publicly—at least in part—to enable scrutiny and continuous improvement.
Enforcement and Flexibility
While the guidelines set clear expectations, platforms have flexibility. If a platform proposes an alternative method, it must demonstrate its effectiveness. The Commission can request further documentation or even initiate proceedings under the DSA if concerns persist.
Stress Test Ahead of the Elections
To test preparedness, the Commission will conduct a “stress test” exercise. This exercise will evaluate how well platforms and oversight mechanisms respond to high-pressure scenarios. The goal is to strengthen coordination and improve existing tools ahead of the 2024 EU elections.
A Pillar of the DSA
These election integrity guidelines are part of a broader framework that includes the Code of Practice on Disinformation, the Political Ads Transparency Regulation, and the Recommendation on Electoral Processes. Together, these tools ensure a transparent, rights-respecting digital environment—especially in the lead-up to the EU’s cross-border elections.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how these guidelines, or any other AI regulations and laws worldwide could impact you and your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can address your concerns and questions while offering valuable insights.
