Nicosia: The importance of effective implementation and supervision of the EU regulatory framework on fake news, disinformation, and propaganda was discussed on Thursday at a meeting between House President Annita Demetriou and European Commissioner Michael McGrath, who is responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law, and consumer protection.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting was held on the sidelines of a conference titled 'In the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges', organized by the House of Representatives as part of the parliamentary dimension of Cyprus's EU Presidency. Commissioner McGrath was one of the keynote speakers at the event.
Addressing the issue of social media and the spread of fake news, disinformation, propaganda, and foreign interventions that aim to influence electoral processes, Demetriou emphasized the EU's obligation to protect every European citizen, particularly the youth, from these threats. She highlighted the importance of regulations promoted at the EU level, which are designed to strengthen the legislative framework for protection, accountability, and transparency, and insisted that these regulations must be proactive and targeted.
Demetriou also noted the significance that the House of Representatives places on safeguarding European values, democracy, and the rule of law. She underscored the necessity of promoting participation and reinforcing citizens' trust in democratic institutions.
In response, Commissioner McGrath highlighted the existing regulatory framework at the EU level and discussed necessary reforms to further enhance institutional protection, fairness, and transparency. He emphasized the importance of effective implementation and supervision of this framework at the member state level.