How the EU combats harmful content online
The EU's digital services act (DSA) aims to create a safer, more transparent internet. By making online platforms accountable for the way they manage and moderate content, the DSA helps combat the spread of harmful content online.
How the DSA helps tackle harmful content
With the rise of social media and online platforms, false or misleading information can spread quickly, shaping public opinion, undermining public trust and threating democratic processes and societal cohesion.
The EU's digital services act (DSA) helps combat propaganda, misinformation and fake news online by introducing strict requirements for online platforms:
Digital Services Act
accountability for illegal content and fines for non-compliance
risk assessments on harmful information
transparency in how algorithms work
user reporting tools and stricter ad rules
crisis response to limit fake info during emergencies
independent audits of efforts against illegal content
Differences between propaganda, misinformation and fake news
Propaganda
manipulated facts to influence public opinion
Misinformation
false information without malicious intent
Fake news
misleading information to deceive people
Propaganda, misinformation and fake news influence people in different ways, but all three contribute to distorting the truth.
Propaganda is information intentionally crafted and distributed to influence people's way of thinking or behaving, usually in support of a political or ideological agenda. Propaganda can contain factual information, but it is usually one-sided or biased, emphasising certain viewpoints strategically.
Misinformation is wrong information that people who believe it to be true share without the intent to deceive. Misinformation can arise from misunderstandings, rumours or inadequate research.
Fake news is intentionally designed false or exaggerated news to mislead people, create confusion or promote hidden agendas. Fake news is often presented in a way that imitates real news reporting.
The spread of harmful content online remains a major issue in the EU, particularly around political events. In 2018, a Eurobarometer survey looked at how aware EU citizens were of fake news online and their attitudes toward it.
Fake news in the EU
65% of Europeans come across fake news several times a month
Source: Eurobarometer 464
71% are confident that they can identify fake news
Source: Eurobarometer 464
News trust is highest for radio and lowest for social networks
Source: Eurobarometer 464
See also
Digital Markets Act
Online safety
E-commerce in the EU
Last review: 31 July 2025