EU Telecommunications Ministers initiate action to combat disinformation and improve cyber security

The French Presidency of the Council of the EU organised an Informal Meeting of Telecommunications Ministers in Paris and Nevers on 8-9 March 2022. Finland's representative at the meeting was Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

The Ministers and representatives of major online platforms discussed disinformation that spreads online and the means to combat it.

The Ministers called on companies providing digital, online and social media services to take action on their online platforms to combat disinformation related to Russia's attack on Ukraine.

"Fake news move across the national borders, which is why joint and firm action by the European Union is needed. In addition to this, the companies in the sector also have a great responsibility in this work," Minister Harakka says.

The Ministers introduced an initiative to develop cyber capabilities in all parts of the EU.

"We must protect our critical infrastructure, including our communication networks, against attacks, and we will make every effort to succeed in this. We want to support the leading-edge expertise of our own cyber security companies, but information security must also be improved across the different types of businesses and industrial sectors," Minister Harakka says.

Inquiries:

Tino Aalto, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 50 436 9188, [email protected]

Kaisa Kopra, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 50 441 8005, [email protected]