This report unpacks the main methods of manipulation that platforms engage in that harm fundamental rights. These methods stem directly from the platforms’ business models and have
severe impact on the absolute freedom to form an opinion and freedom of thought.
The main outcome of this report is a set of policy recommendations addressed to the EU co-legislators focusing on: how to effectively mitigate fundamental rights risks that result from the manipulative methods deployed by large online platforms that exploit people’s vulnerabilities and their sensitive data; and how to combat disinformation in a manner that is fully compliant with fundamental rights standards.