In a recent letter to the European Union, Google has made it clear that it will not incorporate fact-checking into its search algorithms or YouTube videos.
The tech giant rejected proposals to use fact-checking as a factor in content ranking or removal, according to a report by Axios.Despite pressure from the EU's new Disinformation Code of Practice, Google has maintained its stance on content moderation.
The company had previously informed EU lawmakers of its position, and it has now reiterated this stance ahead of the voluntary code's implementation.
The letter, addressed to Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director General of the European Commission's content and technology division, outlines Google's refusal to adopt fact-checking as part of its service.Also read: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Check event schedule, venue, ticket price and moreKent Walker, Google's global affairs president, explained that the integration of fact-checking required by the Commission's new code is "simply not appropriate or effective" for Google's services.
He emphasised that the company would not commit to the mandated changes. Google's position has remained consistent, even though the code would require the company to display fact-check results alongside search outcomes and YouTube videos, as well as to adjust its ranking algorithms based on these checks.Also read: Apple Store app debuted in Indian market: Here's how it can personalise your shopping experienceWalker pointed to Google's existing content moderation practices as evidence of their effectiveness, especially during the recent global election cycles.