Misinformation and the role of bots – ensuring transparency and trust in the digital age

Question for written answer E-000155/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

Misinformation and the spread of fake news, reinforced by the use of automated systems (bots), constitute grave threats to democracy. These practices erode transparency, undermine the reliability of information and reduce citizens' trust in it. Addressing this phenomenon is essential, and requires targeted measures. Society demands clear answers and substantive proposals that will ensure transparency and will reinforce the protection of democracy against the challenges of our modern times.

In view of the rapid spread of these practices and the importance of taking immediate and effective measures:

• 1.How does the Commission assess the effectiveness of the existing measures to combat misinformation, taking into account the ongoing development of technology and the increasing use of bots?
• 2.Does it consider that the mandatory identification of bots is a viable solution for strengthening transparency and accountability in the digital ecosystem? If not, what other approaches is it examining for the labelling and checking of automated activity?
• 3.What additional actions is the Commission planning in order to protect democracy from the malicious use of bots and to reinforce trust in digital information?

Submitted: 15.1.2025