Government considers itself "prepared" for social media election interference

Following a "stress test" with operators of very large online platforms, the Federal Network Agency has drawn a positive conclusion. What was agreed with the operators at a round table last week was practically run through by the participants on Friday together with the EU Commission as part of a simulation exercise in the run-up to the Bundestag elections, explained the President of the regulatory authority, Klaus Müller. "The platforms are familiar with the requirements of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and our national election laws," he explained. Possible infringements were "realistically simulated", the reporting channels and mechanisms of the service providers were tested and "the relevant information exchanges and measures were practised".

In Germany, the Federal Network Agency acts as the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), which is responsible for the national enforcement of the DSA. According to the Platform Act, services with over 45 million active European users must, among other things, analyze, evaluate and, if necessary, reduce systemic online risks relating to the integrity of elections. As acting head of the coordination center, Müller was confident after the test: "As the DSC, we are prepared, the distribution of tasks between the national authorities and our communication channels to all relevant stakeholders are in place."

Representatives from Google (YouTube), LinkedIn and its parent company Microsoft, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Snapchat, TikTok and X as well as national authorities and civil society organizations took part in the exercise, which was carried out for the first time in this country. The test is part of a series of appointments and events organized by the Commission and national DSCs in the run-up to elections. At the end of April, the Brussels-based government institution carried out the very first relevant exercise with very large platform operators to test the tools and cooperation mechanisms put in place with a focus on the then upcoming European elections.

"Wave of false reports" expected in the election campaign

Last year, the EU Commission issued guidelines for measures that service providers primarily affected by the DSA should take to mitigate systemic online risks to the trustworthiness and reliability of elections. According to these guidelines, operators must also respect fundamental rights – including the right to freedom of expression. One aspect relates to risks associated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT. Content created with this technology must be clearly labeled or marked in another conspicuous way.

In Germany, there are major concerns about foreign influence and targeted disinformation via social networks ahead of the general election. Drivers include Russian propaganda campaigns and the slimmed-down moderation course at Meta, which is geared towards US President Donald Trump. North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) expects a "wave of false reports" initiated by "groups that want to disrupt the election or foreign powers". He told the Neue Westfälische Zeitung newspaper that many are interested in influencing the mood and pushing through their interests.

(nie)