More transparency and the protection of sensitive personal data: The EU Parliament and the EU countries have agreed on stricter rules for political advertising. This is intended to prevent disinformation and manipulation.
Political advertising on online platforms, for example, will be more strictly regulated in the EU in the future. The European Council and the EU Parliament announced that personal data may only be used for this purpose if citizens have given their explicit consent.
Negotiators from the two institutions had negotiated an agreement in principle. According to the EU states, the final technical details still need to be worked out. In addition, both the plenary session of Parliament and the Council of Ministers still have to give final approval, but this is considered a formality.
Worry about targeted Misuse of data
According to the new rules, particularly sensitive personal data such as religious affiliation, skin color or sexual orientation may no longer be used for political advertising. The background is also the concern that such advertising will be deliberately misused and that actors from third countries could interfere in elections in the EU.
The new rules also provide for more transparency. “Political advertising must be clearly marked,” said Parliament. It will be easier for citizens, authorities and journalists to get information about who is financing political advertising and how much is paid.
Publicly accessible database
In addition, the EU Commission will set up a publicly accessible database in which all online political advertisements and the associated information will be stored for up to seven years.
The majority of the rules will come into force after a transition period of 18 months. However, parts could already apply to the upcoming European Parliament elections in the middle of next year.