China News Service, June 15 (Reuters) - The European Union is expected to announce new rules on the 16th, requiring tech companies to step up their crackdown on false information, especially deepfakes and fake accounts, or face the risk of hefty fines.
Tech companies, including Internet giants such as Google, Facebook and Twitter, will be affected.
As part of the fight against disinformation, the European Commission is expected to publish a new version of the EU Code of Conduct against Disinformation on the 16th.
This guideline was first released in 2018. It is the world's first initiative in the industry to voluntarily combat false information through self-regulation. Major Internet platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter have signed on to join.
The code will now become a co-regulatory scheme.
The updated guidelines will have example cases detailing the manipulations that signatories must deal with, including deepfakes, fake accounts, and more.
Deep forgery technology refers to the application of artificial intelligence-based human image synthesis technology, which can superimpose existing images or videos on target images or videos.
The technology has been proliferating in recent years, and it can be used to "change faces" in videos or photos, causing widespread controversy.
According to reports, the guidelines will be linked to the Digital Services Act (DSA) agreed by the 27 EU countries earlier this year, which also includes parts to combat disinformation.
Under the Digital Services Act, companies that fail to comply with the guidelines face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover.
Once the guidelines are signed, companies have six months to implement the corresponding measures.
In addition, signatories must take action to address ads with false information and increase transparency in political advertising.