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Tech Companies Support EU's Anti-Discrimination Regulations on Online Content

U.S. corporations commit to quicker response times when illegal content is marked, targeting a review of all questionable content within a day

Tech Magnates Align with EU Regulations Against Online Hate Speech
Tech Magnates Align with EU Regulations Against Online Hate Speech

Tech Companies Support EU's Anti-Discrimination Regulations on Online Content

In response to the recent terror attacks in Paris and Brussels, claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, a new EU code of conduct against hate speech has been agreed upon by internet giants Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Microsoft.

This code of conduct aims to strengthen relationships between these companies and civil society groups, encouraging them to flag up content that incites hate or violence.

Twitter's Head of Public Policy for Europe, Karen White, stated that the company remains committed to maintaining freedom of speech but draws a line at content that incites violence and hate. Similarly, Facebook's Head of Global Policy Management, Monika Bickert, expressed the company's continued collaboration with the Commission and the wider tech industry to combat hate speech.

Both Twitter and Facebook emphasized their commitment to upholding freedom of expression while adhering to the EU’s rules against hate speech. In her statement, White reiterated that Twitter's mission is to serve as a place for free and open global public conversation, but that this conversation must be safe and respectful.

Under the new code of conduct, the companies have pledged to speed up their reactions to illegal material, aiming to review all suspicious content within 24 hours. Bickert urged users to utilize Facebook's reporting tools to flag content that violates the company's standards, assuring swift action from their teams.

EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova has welcomed the commitment of the worldwide IT companies to review and remove illegal hate speech content within 24 hours, if necessary. She praised the companies for their proactive approach and commitment to creating a safer online environment.

It's important to note that neither Twitter nor Facebook's statements contained any advertisements, maintaining the integrity of their messages. The person who served as Head of Public Policy for Europe at Twitter is SinΓ©ad McSweeney, while Facebook's Head of Global Policy Management is Monika Bickert.

Facebook and Twitter's pledge to combat hate speech is a significant step towards creating a safer online environment for all users. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that these companies are committed to adapting and working with the EU to ensure that their platforms remain a place where free speech and safety coexist.

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