Google has informed EU authorities that it does not intend to comply with a new fact-checking law set to take effect in the region, according to Axios. The company stated in a letter that it will not incorporate fact-checking materials into search results, YouTube videos, or use them to rank or remove content.
No History of Fact-Checking Programs
Although Google supported a European fact-checking database for the recent EU elections, the company has never implemented fact-checking programs as part of its content moderation policies. Initially introduced as a voluntary initiative, the European Commission’s Code of Practice on Disinformation is transitioning into a mandatory requirement.
In the letter, Google’s global president, Kent Walker, expressed skepticism about the suitability of a fact-checking program for Google’s services. He noted that the company successfully managed content moderation during last year’s elections worldwide. For instance, YouTube users were enabled to add contextual notes to videos, a feature with “significant potential,” according to Walker, similar to X’s “Community Notes” and upcoming Meta features.
Commitment to Existing Solutions
Instead of adopting the EU’s fact-checking directive, Google plans to enhance its current content moderation, adds NIX Solutions. These include its SynthID AI-generated content labeling technology and additional methods for disclosing AI-generated content on YouTube. Walker emphasized that these measures are more effective for maintaining transparency and combating misinformation.
As of now, the European Commission has not publicly responded to Google’s stance on the issue. Yet, we’ll keep you updated as more integrations or regulatory decisions emerge.