EU rules on political ads – aimed at countering information manipulation and foreign interference in elections – will take effect on Friday. But what exactly will change for users?
Elections across Europe have been plagued by attempts to spread disinformation in recent years. EU rules on political ads enter into force soon: What will change? With the EU rules on political ads entering into force, we ask: what will change?
In the Romanian presidential election last November, the first round was invalidated . This was based on intelligence reports that allegedly showed Russian involvement in voter influence. Their aim was to bolster support for the then relatively unknown ultranationalist candidate Călin Georgescu.
Other elections, such as those in France in June and July 2024, were also reportedly targeted by Moscow-made disinformation. The Czech general vote last weekend faced similar issues. This reflects the urgency of EU rules on political ads entering into force. What will change remains to be seen.
According to the latest EU regulation, which comes into force on Friday, political ads must now carry a transparency label. This notice is meant to clearly identify ads as such and include key information, like the sponsor and the election to which they are linked. It should also state the amounts paid. With this change, the EU rules on political ads enter into force. What will change? Transparency and accountability in political advertising are expected to improve significantly.