Meta and TikTok have activated crisis protocols and agreed to step up cooperation with fact-checkers on content related to Ceuta, after false social media rumours helped trigger a mass migration surge into the Spanish enclave in late July. TikTok mobilised a dedicated taskforce in response to the situation, while the European Commission convened meetings with both platforms and fact-checking organisations to establish an ad-hoc escalation mechanism under the disinformation code of conduct.
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen held talks with Spanish Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López on preventing further border crossings and casualties, emphasising the full implementation of the Digital Services Act in Spain. Virkkunen has indirectly attributed partial responsibility to the platforms for the crisis. The Commission, Europol and the platforms are now in daily contact and have increased coordination.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares highlighted the role of social media in the humanitarian crisis, which saw an estimated 70,000 people cross from Morocco and 141 deaths according to Moroccan sources.