Euroconsumers and Facebook Launch Partnership to Enhance Digital Rights and Protections
Euroconsumers, the leading consumer organization in Europe, has announced a new partnership with Facebook, the social media giant, to promote better digital rights and protections for millions of users across the continent. The collaboration will focus on key issues such as data privacy, transparency, content moderation, and accessibility, aiming to create a safer and more user-friendly online environment.
April Haeck, Euroconsumers’ Director General, said that the partnership with Facebook represents a significant step forward in the organization’s mission to empower consumers and safeguard their interests in the digital era. “We are thrilled to work with Facebook to improve the quality and security of their platform, and to advocate for more accountable and ethical practices in the tech industry,” she said. “Our joint efforts will benefit millions of Europeans who rely on social media for communication, information, and entertainment.”
The partnership between Euroconsumers and Facebook will involve several initiatives and actions, including:
- Joint research and analysis of user feedback and complaints, to identify common issues and opportunities for improvement. Euroconsumers will use its expertise and resources to provide Facebook with insights and recommendations on how to enhance its policies and procedures, and to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Public awareness campaigns and education programs, to raise awareness of digital rights and responsibilities among Facebook users, especially vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Euroconsumers will leverage its media channels and networks to reach out to millions of consumers across Europe and to provide them with practical tips and tools for safe and responsible use of social media.
- Dialogue and consultation with stakeholders and experts, to foster an open and constructive debate on the future of digital rights and protections in Europe. Euroconsumers and Facebook will invite representatives from civil society, academia, business, and government to participate in roundtables, workshops, and other events, to exchange views, share best practices, and develop joint solutions.
- Pilot projects and experiments, to test innovative approaches and technologies that can enhance the user experience and privacy on Facebook. Euroconsumers and Facebook will explore new ways of implementing user-centric design, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge tools that can help users control their data, filter content, and personalize their interactions.
April Haeck highlighted that the partnership with Facebook is part of Euroconsumers’ broader strategy to promote digital democracy and to hold tech companies accountable for their impact on society. “We believe that social media can be a force for good, but only if it respects the rights and dignity of its users, and contributes to a fair and inclusive digital economy,” she said. “We look forward to working closely with Facebook and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality.”
The Euroconsumers and Facebook partnership is expected to start in April 2023, and to run for an initial period of two years. The partnership will be evaluated and reviewed regularly, to ensure that it delivers tangible benefits for consumers and that it aligns with Euroconsumers’ strategic priorities and values. Euroconsumers and Facebook encourage other consumer organizations and social media platforms to join the partnership and to collaborate on building a better digital world for all.
