Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft sign agreement to battle hate speech online: The Online tech companies have agreed to stand by a code of conduct, including removing illegal hate speech and terrorist propaganda within 24 hours of notification.
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft sign Hate Speech Rule
The new rules, announced Tuesday by the European Commission, the EU Commissioners for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality pointed out the need for increased monitoring following the spate of terror attacks that have rocked Europe. “The recent terror attacks have reminded us of the urgent need to address illegal online hate speech,” said Vera Jourova in a statement.
“Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalize young people, and racists use to spread violence and hatred. This agreement is an important step forward to ensure that the internet remains a place of free and democratic expression, where European values and laws are respected.”
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Lie Junius, Google’s head of public policy and government relations, said in a statement: “We’re committed to giving people access to information through our services, but we have always prohibited illegal hate speech on our platforms, We have efficient systems to review valid notifications in less than 24 hours and to remove illegal content. We are pleased to work with the Commission to develop co- and self-regulatory approaches to fighting hate speech online.”
The code of conduct outlines a raft of measures the IT companies have agreed to respect, including the commitment to remove illegal hate speech in less than 24 hours after being notified.