The European Union is taking action and considering legislative measures
Internet service providers such as Facebook, Twitter and Google will be able to delete hate speech and incite violence
The European Union is considering legislation to determine how Internet service providers, such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, will delete posts of hate speech and incitement to violence, according to a document obtained by the agency. Reuters news.
According to the agency, the rapid reproduction and spread of hate speech and fake news on social media have put increased pressure on companies operating in the field to quickly remove posts with such content.
The draft
In a draft policy document, the European Commission points out that there are "significant discrepancies in approaches to removing illegal content - such as incitement to terrorism, hate speech, child sexual abuse material, or copyright infringement."
"Such deviations may be justified in some cases (eg in certain types of illegal content), but in other cases they reduce the effectiveness of the system (eg by delaying the deletion of terrorist propaganda posts)."
The Commission emphasizes that it can take legislative and / or non-legislative measures by the end of the year to address "legislative fragmentation and uncertainty regarding the removal of illegal content on online platforms".
What companies say
Germany introduced a law last month that would fine social media companies up to 50 million euros if they fail to delete hate posts quickly, with legislation raising concerns that it could threaten freedom. of speech.
Also last year, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (Google) and Microsoft agreed on an EU code of conduct to combat hate speech on the internet and remove similar content within 24 hours, but the Commission criticized the companies that do not act fast enough.
The companies claim that they are in a difficult position as, as they emphasize, they are not accountable for the content posted on their platforms and are not obliged to actively monitor users' posts. However, they must download illegal content from their pages after notifications.
Top… "Good Samaritan"
The draft, which is a mid-term review of the Commission's strategy for creating a digital common market in Europe, emphasizes that the EU executive is looking at alternatives to clarify the role of online platforms, without compromising liability. for ISPs.
"The Commission believes that greater transparency and a predictable environment will motivate providers to take precautionary measures to maintain a healthy online ecosystem."
A European official noted that the Commission is considering adopting the principle of the so-called "good Samaritan", through which Internet service providers will not be responsible for content if they actively search for illegal content on their websites, hoping that companies will act more cautiously. The mid-term evaluation is expected to be adopted in May.
Source: SigmaLive