Major internet platforms, including X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, have committed to enhanced measures against illegal and hateful content. This initiative aligns with a new agreement developed by European lawmakers under the European Commission.
Strengthened Code of Conduct
The updated commitments, integrated into the Digital Services Act (DSA), aim to bolster the moderation of banned content. According to The Verge, this initiative has led to the unveiling of the “Code of Conduct on Countering Unlawful Hate Speech Online+.” Signatories include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Dailymotion, Jeuxvideo, Viber, and Microsoft services. This new version builds on the original code adopted in 2016.
Key provisions include:
- Transparency in identifying and reducing hate speech.
- Access for independent experts to monitor content moderation.
- A commitment to review at least “two-thirds of hate speech notifications” within 24 hours.
EU’s Stance on Hate Speech
EU Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized the importance of combating online hate speech, stating, “Hatred and polarization threaten the EU’s values and fundamental rights, undermining the stability of our democracies. The internet amplifies the negative impact of hate speech. We hope that this updated code will be an important tool to effectively respond to these challenges.”
Voluntary but Significant
Despite the code’s importance, it remains voluntary, meaning companies face no sanctions for non-compliance, notes NIX Solutions. For instance, in 2022, Elon Musk withdrew X (formerly Twitter) from the Code of Practice on Disinformation, highlighting the optional nature of such agreements. Yet, we’ll keep you updated as more platforms work toward meeting these standards.
By focusing on collaboration and transparency, the EU and major platforms hope to address hate speech more effectively, while recognizing the challenges posed by voluntary participation.