TheEuropean Commission is reportedly planning to develop a Code of Practice that will outline measures to be taken by Internet companies to curb the spread of fake news online. Targeted at online platforms such as Facebook and Google, as well as Internet advertising companies, the Code would include measures such as: improving the scrutiny of advertising placements, enhancing efforts to close fake accounts, considering the need to fight disinformation in the design phase of developing online tools, and preventing third parties from accessing personal data without authorisation. The Code, to be launched by July, is expected to produce 'measurable effects' by the end of the year. If it turns out to be unsuccessful, the Commission is said to consider further actions, including of regulatory nature.