The SPD wants to limit the excessive influence of tech corporations and the billionaires behind them. At the federal party conference in Berlin on Saturday, the demand for “strict implementation of EU-wide sanctions against tech corporations that repeatedly host or distribute illegal content” was approved. Temporary access blocks must also be reviewed and imposed if necessary.

“Large global tech corporations have gained a great deal of power,” states the motion adopted by a large majority. “They are increasingly failing to meet their responsibilities, which not only threatens our democracy but also the rights of individuals.” The EU must counter this more decisively.

Collaboration with organizations that engage in fact-checking content spread on social media is also recommended. Funding could come from a digital tax to ensure the independence of such organizations.

The SPD wants to strengthen European digital oversight for very large platforms. It will also be examined whether an EU-wide digital levy could be used to finance media education or to “establish or finance alternative structures.” In general, media education should be strengthened.

Strict rules and transparency obligations should apply to political advertising on such platforms. There should also be a mandatory transparency register. Additionally, large platforms should be required to disclose the algorithms they use.