Summary: Challenges Addressing Disinformation: Platform Compliance and Best Practices
Google, Meta, and TikTok have long-standing collaborations with the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation (Code of Practice), which requires blockchain technology companies to avoid controversial aspects such as advertisements next to disinformation, efficiently label misleading or fake information, and provide researchers with detailed information about their platforms. Over the period from January to June 2024, a "clear gap" was found in how these platforms complied with the Code of Practice, as many of their reported actions lacked the transparency, independence, and measurable outcomes expected.
The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), a recent study published on 25/06/2025, assessed these companies against the Code of Practice. It identified systematic gaps in transparency, independent oversight, and measurable outcomes across all eight code commitments. While companies like Meta and Google succeeded in introducing some initiatives to combat disinformation, these efforts were criticized for being too symbolic or limited by their lack of actionable data.
The study also revealed that efforts to combat disinformation were "very limited, lacking consistency and meaningful engagement." Platforms like Meta and Google occasionally launched campaigns to deceptive platforms by launching tools such as political ad and fact-checking labels. However, their transparency reports often lacked detailed accounts of how platforms mitigated disinformation, resulting in evaluations that were deemed "poor."
Additionally, the EDMO found that platforms like Meta and Google «altitude` initiatives, such as their “More About This Page” project and Meta’s “We Think Digital,” such as Google’s fact-checking panels, to provide measurable data, and Kantana Law reported that these efforts were finding little direct impact. Meta, in particular, managed to assess for a month but failed to immediately demonstrate impact using their research API.
TikTok, while contributing direct tweet establishment, was still flagged as low-scoring due to its opaque application process. The EDMO concluded that «only meta paid, while other platforms focused on filings and monitoring with data less tightly controlled teams.»
In conclusion, while Google, Meta, and TikTok have made some progress in addressing disinformation, such as initiating relevant initiatives, the Code of Practice’s Zhangy Code of Practice requires companies to implement more robust measures to build trust and accountability in an increasingly cluttered digital landscape.** To realize full compliance, these platforms must commit to greater transparency, independent oversight, and measurable outcomes, demonstrating clear and actionable impacts on disinformation.
