A new set of EU-wide rules governing political advertising came into effect, introducing significant transparency and data protection requirements for campaigns, tech platforms, and data brokers across the 27-member bloc. The regulation is a key component of the European Democracy Action Plan and is designed to combat disinformation, prevent foreign interference, and empower citizens to make more informed democratic choices. Under the new legal framework, all paid political advertising, both online and offline, must be clearly labeled as such. Each advertisement must be accompanied by a transparency notice that provides essential information, including the identity of the sponsor, the amount paid for the ad, and the specific election or referendum it is linked to.
The regulation places particularly strict conditions on the use of targeting and amplification techniques for online political advertising. The use of sensitive personal data, such as information revealing ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or political opinions, for ad targeting is now prohibited. To counter foreign interference, the law also introduces a ban on political advertising paid for by sponsors from outside the EU in the three-month period leading up to an election or referendum. The implementation of these rules represents a significant step in the EU's efforts to create a more resilient and transparent democratic space.
Source: European Commission