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Big Tech promises to do more against online hate speech in EU


Several tech companies, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, have agreed to increase their efforts to combat illegal hate speech online.

The European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services are pleased that numerous tech companies have signed a revised version of the ‘Code of Conduct on countering illegal speech online+.’

Dailymotion, Facebook, Instagram, Jeuxvideo.com, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Snapchat, Rakuten Viber, TikTok, Twitch, X, and YouTube have signed the new Code of Conduct+.

“The Code of Conduct+ will strengthen the way online platforms deal with content that EU and national laws define as illegal hate speech. The integrated Code of conduct will facilitate compliance with and the effective enforcement of the DSA [Digital Services Act, ed.] when it comes to risks of dissemination of illegal content on their services,” the European Commission states in a press release that was published on Monday.

The Digital Services Act, or DSA, was drafted to protect European consumers and internet users against large and powerful tech companies. Among other things, it obligates tech companies to do more to combat illegal and harmful content on their platforms, such as disinformation and hate speeches.

The signatories of the Code of conduct+ have committed to regularly monitor how they review hate speech notices. At least two thirds of all hate speech notices have to be dealt with within 24 hours. The tech companies will also take measures to reduce hate speeches on their platforms, including using automatic detection tools.

Furthermore, they have agreed to cooperate with experts and civil society organizations to prevent waves of hate speeches from going viral. Lastly, the signatories will do whatever they can to raise users’ awareness about illegal hate speeches and procedures to flag illegal content.

“In Europe, there is no place for illegal hate, either offline or online. I welcome the stakeholders’ commitment to a strengthened Code of conduct under the Digital Services Act. Cooperation among all parties involved is the way forward to ensure a safe digital space for all,” Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen said in a statement.

“Hatred and polarization are threats to EU values and fundamental rights and undermine the stability of our democracies. The internet is amplifying the negative effects of hate speech. I intend to work tirelessly to counter hate speech and hate crimes in the EU. We trust this Code of Conduct+ will do its part in ensuring a robust response. We stand, altogether, for a Europe united against hatred,” Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, adds.

The European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services promise to monitor and evaluate the results of the Code of Conduct+, and facilitate regular review and adaptation of the Code.


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