Social media platforms should stop the spread of fake news through self-regulatory practices, the European Commission said Thursday, adding that the bloc could take action if such efforts fail.
The commission issued guidance on fake news after the rapid rise of online disinformation caused concern among civil society and EU lawmakers because of its potential to undermine democracy.
The commission wants online platforms to develop a "Code of Practice of self-regulatory nature" by July. The commission would monitor the implementation of the code.
"We will await visible, measurable results by October this year and then, if necessary, we will decide in December whether we consider it advisable to adopt additional measures," said European Commissioner for Digital Society Mariya Gabriel.
The EU will also support setting up an independent network of fact-checkers to identify best practices and flag fake news.
Gabriel added that media education efforts also needed to be stepped up across Europe, including through supporting quality news media.
