Vera Jourova - Photo EC (BRUSSELS) - The EU's code of practice on disinformation needs to be strengthened to become more effective in countering disinformation, the European Commission said in new guidance published on Wednesday. "A new stronger Code is necessary as we need online platforms and other players to address the systemic risks of their services and algorithmic amplification, stop policing themselves alone and stop allowing to make money on disinformation, while fully preserving the freedom of speech," said EC vice-president Vera Jourova. The new guidelines call for stronger commitments by the signatories and foresees a broader participation to the Code. Based on a robust monitoring framework and clear performance indicators, the EU executive says signatories should reduce financial incentives to disinformation, empower users to take an active role in preventing its spread, better cooperate with fact-checkers across EU Member States and languages, and provide a framework for access to data for researchers.