EU Parliament Enacts New Digital Law for Political Ads
The European Parliament has taken a decisive step to enhance the transparency and integrity of political advertising within the EU, particularly in the digital realm. New legislation mandates clear labeling of political ads, enabling citizens, authorities, and journalists to readily ascertain details such as sponsorship, cost, and the electoral or referendum context of the advertisements. A public online repository will be established to archive all political advertising and associated information, ensuring long-term accessibility.
In a move to curb foreign interference, the rules stipulate a ban on sponsorship of political ads from outside the EU during the critical three-month period leading up to elections or referendums. This aligns with broader efforts to protect European democratic processes from external influences. Additionally, the legislation introduces stringent requirements for online political advertising that utilizes personal data. Such targeting and amplification strategies can only be employed with the explicit and separate consent of the individual, with the use of sensitive personal data and minors’ data being expressly prohibited.
The regulations are carefully designed to safeguard freedom of expression; only paid political advertisements fall under their purview. They do not impinge upon the content of political messages or the broader rules governing political campaign conduct and financing. Unpaid content, such as personal opinions, journalistic work, or official communications regarding election participation, remains unaffected.
Following the Parliament’s vote (470 in favor, 50 against, and 105 abstentions), the Council’s formal adoption of the text is pending. The rules will come into effect 18 months post-enactment, with provisions for the non-discriminatory provision of cross-border political advertising taking effect 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. This legislative move addresses citizen concerns for a secure digital society and aligns with proposals from the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Source: Parliament adopts new transparency rules for political advertising | News | European Parliament
