Fake news has become “almost overwhelming,” the European Commission warned as it weighed steps that may help it assess how far the likes of Facebook Inc and Google have stemmed the tide of online misinformation.
The European Union’s executive arm said Monday it was starting a public consultation on fake news, including on what Internet companies, news media and others have done to counter disinformation online. It will also ask what role each of those should play. Officials will seek opinions on how aware people are of fake news and what trust they have in different media.