MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) took stock on Wednesday 26 October of the report by Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, Italian) on the transparency and targeting of political advertising (see EUROPE 13036/23). These discussions come after some 686 amendments have been tabled by the Parliament’s political groups and two technical meetings have already taken place.
For the time being, the political groups seem to agree on keeping a broad scope in order to keep an eye on the content and not only on the nature of the actor so that only political advertisements are concerned.
In addition, there are also points of agreement on the exemptions for political opinions disseminated by an editorial office without remuneration from a third party in order to preserve the freedom of the press.
In addition, the discussions led to the introduction of a possible ban on political advertising sponsored by a non-EU or non-EU-based actor. “This is a concern shared by a number of other groups”, said the rapporteur.
In addition, several political groups have called for clarification of the obligations of political advertising service providers. On this point, some political parties believe that more precise provisions and standards should be added regarding the possibility for citizens to easily distinguish between political advertising and content that would not be covered by the text.
Further work is needed on several issues, such as the standardised directory of service providers, and the distinctions between large platforms and SMEs.
MEPs will also have to work on whether or not to strengthen the notification mechanism for illegal advertising. This is a concern of a number of political groups. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)