Latest news with #EMFA
Euractiv
4 days ago
- Business
- Euractiv
EU media freedom law takes effect, but who gets protection online unclear
The EU's new media freedom law came into effect on Friday, offering stronger protections for journalists, but a key provision on online platforms is sparking debate over which media qualify for certain safeguards. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aims to safeguard press freedom and bolster democracy by introducing transparency measures regarding media ownership and state advertising, as well as robust safeguards for journalists and their sources. The law also seeks to help traditional media outlets compete with social media-based outlets and adapt to the rise of technologies such as generative AI. One provision requires Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, to promote diverse media content and prevent the arbitrary removal or algorithmic downgrading of recognised Media Service Providers (MSPs). The law defines MSPs as professional media outlets with editorial responsibility and oversight. According to a recent report by the Reuters Institute, people are increasingly using these platforms to consume news, and the growing influence of the platforms, based on which content they amplify or suppress, is contributing to a 'fragmented alternative media environment' filled with podcasters, YouTubers, and TikTokers. The tricky task of defining MSPs The law requires VLOPs to allow MSPs to self-declare, but the European Commission is yet to issue guidelines on how this process will work. Although the Commission sought input in a consultation that closed on 23 July, defining who qualifies as an MSP is proving difficult. The law already sets out criteria relating to editorial responsibility, transparency and independence, but the forthcoming guidelines could expand on these. Online platforms have long struggled with the kind of assessments needed to identify bad faith actors, which makes the task even harder. In its response to the Commission's consultation, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) recommended that MSPs have access to a contact within VLOPs who has expertise in this area. Additionally, while public broadcasters are relatively easy to verify, commercial media and less traditional entities, such as social media influencers, present more of a challenge. Some EU countries maintain databases of recognised news organisations, though these are not harmonised across the bloc. The EMFA provision lists criteria for MSP status, such as oversight by a national regulator or membership of a self-regulatory body, but the Commission suggested clarifying that these are not cumulative. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) backs this. What about influencers? On influencers, News Media Europe states that the EMFA's rules on editorial responsibility, transparency, and independence are sufficient to distinguish between professional news outlets and non-professional entities, such as influencers. However, the EFJ argues that influencers or bloggers who operate professionally and ethically by following best practices provided by a recognised self-regulatory body for instance, should be included. For Constantin Gissler, Director General of tech lobby DOT Europe, tightening the "definition of 'media service provider' (MSP) is key." "Otherwise, there's a real risk of bad faith actors claiming protections meant for legitimate media." (nl, de)
Euronews
5 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Landmark EU media law enters into force to protect journalism
The EU's landmark Media Freedom Act (EMFA) entered into force today, with the aim of providing better protection for the press and making media ownership more transparent. The law will also limit the use of spyware against journalists, enhance the transparency of state advertising, and strengthen the independence of public media. The new rules also increase protection for journalists and for their sources. Social media platforms should also refrain from arbitrarily deleting or restricting content from independent media. The law was drafted by the European Commission and supported overwhelmingly by the European Parliament's plenary vote in 2024. "With the European Media Freedom Act entering into application, media and journalists across the EU gain unprecedented safeguards, and citizens can trust that the news they receive is driven by facts, not by business or political agenda,' - Michael McGrath,** Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, said. 'The entry into application of the EMFA is a landmark for press freedom in the EU. But its true value will be measured in action, not words. Now begins the real work: ensuring every member state implements the EMFA fully and faithfully. Media freedom is not negotiable - it is the backbone of our democracy,' said Sabine Veheyen, a German EPP MEP, who chairs Parliament's working group scrutinising the law's implementation. Nela Riehl, a German MEP from the Greens/EFA group and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, said member states should adhere to the rules. 'With the Media Freedom Act, Europe has set the benchmark for the protection of press freedom and journalistic work. This is a great achievement. But it is only meaningful if we adhere to it. I am looking with concern at the decline in press freedom in different parts of Europe and call on all member states to implement it dutifully.' The European Commission proposed the new rules as media freedom has declined in many member states. Recent EU Rule of Law Reports have highlighted ongoing concerns about media freedom and pluralism across the EU, noting a worrying decline in media freedom and safety of journalists in some member states, notably in Hungary, Poland and Greece. Investigative journalists Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak in Slovakia have been assassinated because of their work. According to the new rules, governments could only use spyware on journalists as a last resort, if national security is in danger. Earlier, both Hungary and Poland allegedly used Pegasus spyware on journalists. A new EU body, called the European Board for Media Services, will oversee the implementation of the laws. The Media Freedom Act is the first-ever EU regulation related to the press.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Civil Liberties Report Calls Out Italy, Hungary for Media Freedom Violations
Italy's right-wing government has stepped up attacks on the freedom of the press, showing 'heavy intolerance to media criticism' and 'unprecedented levels of interference in public service media,' a coalition of civil liberties groups has said. Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) released a report Monday calling out several European governments for what they say is a systematic 'dismantling' of democratic norms and the rule of law with regard to media freedoms. A total of 43 human rights organizations in 21 EU member states compiled the Liberties report. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Surface' Boss on How That Season 2 Family Reveal Raises Questions About "Privilege" Hillary Clinton-Produced Ukraine Doc 'The Cranes Call' Gets Release on Gathr (Exclusive) Filmart: How the China-Led "Vertical Film" Movement Wants to Upend the Way We See Cinema Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government in Italy was singled out for particular criticism as one of five so-called 'dismantlers' of the rule of law alongside eastern European nations Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovakia. Viktor Orban's Hungary is in a class by itself, designated as an 'electoral autocracy' by Liberties researchers, who said they detected a 'significant regression' in the rule of law in the country in 2024. Italy's attack on the media is more recent, with Liberties calling out what it said were 'unprecedented levels of political interference,' at Italian public broadcaster RAI, 'heightening the risk of public service media being captured by political power.' The report points to allegations that RAI allegedly censored a planned anti-fascist monologue by prominent writer Antonio Scurati (M: Son of the Century) and called out RAI's governance and funding structures 'which currently leave the public broadcaster vulnerable to political interference.' Liberties' researchers also flagged proposals drafted in Rome the group said would give Meloni's government 'open-ended powers' to the justice ministry over prosecutors, and which would increase political control over the judiciary. 'Europe's democratic recession has deepened in 2024,' Liberties said in a statement Monday, summarizing the report's conclusions. Over more than 1,000 pages, the report details disturbing trends of political manipulation and growing corruption as well as increasing harassment of journalists and restrictions on free speech provisions. 'Without decisive action, the EU risks further democratic erosion,' the report concludes. European governments last year passed the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), intended to ensure editorial independence in European media and to enhance transparency of media ownership across the EU. But the Liberties report found, with few exceptions, that member states 'have not taken serious action' to implement EMFA into national law. The EMFA goes into full effect in August. 'The coming months may determine whether member states move toward greater press independence,' the report concludes, 'or if existing power structures remain intact.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
