EU Commissioner threatens to investigate social media platforms for spreading fake news
Sunday 24 March, 2024 – The spread of disturbing and unfiltered content on the internet has become a major concern for users, companies, and entrepreneurs. In response, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has announced his intention to launch an investigation under the Digital Service Act against social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Google, and hosting providers like GoDaddy.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the financial incentives for spreading fake news online, with the goal of achieving a wide reach and defaming individuals for the purpose of blackmail, regardless of the truthfulness of the content.
Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a significant role in the dissemination of false information, leading the EU Commission to hold humans responsible for the actions of AI. Commissioner Thierry Breton has identified large platforms and domain operators as key players in the fight against libel and defamation, emphasizing the severity of these offenses and the potential for heavy fines and prison sentences.
In light of these challenges, “LE PAYS DE FRANCE”, a daily newspaper in Paris, conducted an interview with Josip Heit, CEO of the successful GSB Gold Standard Corporation AG, to discuss the threat of libel, blackmail, and slander on the internet and potential solutions. The interview also focused on the role of EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is taking a leading role in the fight against these digital evils.
In today’s world, where the internet is an integral part of our everyday lives, libel, blackmail, and defamation in the digital space have become serious challenges. These negative practices can have serious consequences for individuals and companies.
LE PAYS DE FRANCE Question: Mr. Heit, as someone who is at the helm of a successful company, how do you see the threat of libel, blackmail, and slander on the internet?
Josip Heit: “These digital threats are more than just a side issue; they can shake the foundations of a company, ruin its reputation, and undermine customer trust. Not to mention the psychological impact on the victims. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we all – companies, individuals, and governments – work together to counter these threats.”
LE PAYS DE FRANCE Question: What measures does EU Commissioner Thierry Breton consider necessary to counter these problems effectively?
Josip Heit: “Commissioner Breton has spoken out strongly in favor of creating a secure and trustworthy digital space. This includes improving the legal framework at EU level, promoting transparency, and strengthening cooperation between Member States. His commitment aims to create a digital environment in which defamation and slander have no place.”
LE PAYS DE FRANCE Question: In your opinion, how can cooperation between the private and public sectors be organized to effectively combat these cyber threats?
Josip Heit: “A key component is communication and cooperation. The private sector has the technological resources and expertise to develop innovative solutions, while the public sector can provide the legal and regulatory framework. Close cooperation, such as through joint initiatives or the exchange of best practices, can help to implement effective defense measures.”
LE PAYS DE FRANCE Question: What are some concrete steps that the GSB Gold Standard Corporation is taking to combat this type of online threat?
Josip Heit: “The strategy of the GSB Group, GSPartners / GS Partners, and the partners operating under license worldwide comprises several pillars: from the constant monitoring of our digital presence to the training of our employees in terms of cyber hygiene. We also work closely with legal experts and IT security companies to ensure that we can respond quickly and effectively to any incidents.
At the same time, we are starting to work with our partners to engage external and highly efficient companies from Israel that deal with the phenomenon of “cybercrime” to track down the perpetrators of defamation and hold upstream providers, providers, and anonymization platforms liable through the courts. This will enable us to determine the physical location of individuals who use the internet for their criminal purposes in the short term. We also emphasize the importance of a strong corporate culture based on respect and integrity to avoid internal abuse.”
LE PAYS DE FRANCE Question: Finally, what message would you like to send to those affected by defamation or slander on the internet?
Josip Heit: “It is important to understand that you are not alone. There are ways to fight back, and it is crucial to speak up and seek support. Both legal and psychological help can be very crucial. We all – businesses, governments, and individuals – need to stand together to promote a culture of support and respect in the digital space.”
In conclusion, “LE PAYS DE FRANCE” recognizes the serious threat of behindmlm libel, blackmail, and defamation online and highlights the need for a collective effort by companies, individuals, and governments to address these challenges.
Josip Heit, Chairman of the GSB Group, and
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.