Conclusions

• Author: Jordan Hill - Malin Carlberg - Richard Procee - Iva Plasilova - Marion Goubet
• Pages: 96-100

Assessment of th e im plem en tat ion o f t he Code of Pract ice on Disinform at ion

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Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology

CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSIONS

This section presents the overall study conclusions. These conclusions have been

developed based on, evidence collected from the various data collection tools throughout

the study as well as the study team’s analysis based on this data. The conclusions are

presented per evaluation criterion together with suggestions for further improvements.

Relevance

The findings of this study show that the implementation of the Code of Practice has

produced overall positive results. There is a consensus amongst most stakeholders that the

Code of Practice is a highly welcomed and needed initiative. Since disinformation continues

to be a widespread problem, the Code remains highly relevant and its aims and activities

still address current needs. The Code has established a common framework under which

to agree and implement activities to tackle disinformation. Specifically, the Code, and the

preparatory activities carried out before its establishment, has contributed to the debate on

disinformation, raised awareness, and provided guidance among wider stakeholders (e.g.

civil society, policymakers, the media and publishing sector) and among the Signatories.

Discussions facilitated by the work of the Code has also contributed towards wider action

and measures to combat the phenomenon.

Therefore, the Code should not be abandoned but its implementation should continue.

However, several improvements to the agreement and its implementation would contribute

to further (positive) impact. In tandem with its continuation, debate, research and other

suitable activities should also follow to firstly, promote further improvement of the Code’s

effectiveness and sustainability so as to maximise its impacts and secondly, to continue to

assess the scope of the Code and the specific mechanism for implementation.

Effectiveness

With regards to its overall effectiveness, an initial achievement of the Code is that is has set

a foundation on which further activities can be continued.

This study’s research shows that the Code has had a positive effect with regard to improved

cooperation between policymakers and the Signatories of the Code. Indeed, the Code has

established a platform for negotiation that concretely has produced results in the form of

regular monitoring of Signatory activities and action to combat disinformation challenges.

The monitoring processes produce reports on change over time, which allows for better

transparency of social media platforms during elections and other political campaigns. To

further support the evaluation and monitoring of the Code, this study also provides

methodological recommendations that can be used to further improving this process,

especially in the form of a set of KPIs.

However, certain challenges are connected to the Code and its implementation. Firstly, it is

a voluntary document and as such there are no means to enforce the commitments

promised by the Signatories. This has led to at times fragmented implementation (e.g.

across the various Pillars, across the various platforms and across Member States). Further