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Germany prepares for potential social media election interference ahead of vote

by editor

Germany’s Federal Network Agency has announced that it is “well prepared” to tackle potential online interference in the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February 23. This assertion comes from Klaus Müller, the agency’s president, following a comprehensive stress test conducted with major social media platforms.

In a recent statement, Müller emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating, “Today we realistically simulated possible infringements, tested the platforms’ reporting procedures and mechanisms and practised action and the relevant exchange of information.” He further reassured the public by highlighting that “we are well prepared, with tasks assigned to the national authorities and communication paths to all relevant players in place.”

Significance of the stress test under EU regulations

This initiative marks the first stress test conducted for a national election in accordance with the EU’s newly implemented Digital Services Act. While this exercise is a milestone for Germany, a similar test was previously hosted by the European Commission in preparation for the upcoming European elections in June 2024.

Concerns regarding potential foreign interference through social media disinformation have intensified, particularly with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party currently polling in second place. Notably, in December, the Romanian presidential election faced cancellation amid alerts about Russian influence via TikTok, revealing the possible ramifications of unchecked digital manipulation.

Online platforms face scrutiny and responsibilities

The situation has been exacerbated by new evidence highlighting various forms of foreign interference within Germany’s information landscape. Recently, Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the AfD has raised eyebrows, leading the German Parliament’s administration to investigate whether Musk’s actions could be classified as an illegal donation, according to domestic media reports.

Under the Digital Services Act, very large online platforms, defined as those hosting over 45 million monthly active users in the EU, are mandated to identify and mitigate risks that could impact electoral processes. The stress test conducted on Friday, which was collaboratively organized by the European Commission and the Federal Network Agency, involved representatives from prominent companies such as Google (YouTube’s parent company), Microsoft, LinkedIn, Meta (which oversees Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, TikTok, and X, alongside national authorities and civil society representatives.

The European Commission stated, “The exercise, known as a stress test, featured several fictitious scenarios whose aim is to identify and reduce potential risks related to the elections, as defined under the Digital Services Act.”

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