Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft sign EU code of conduct to curtail online hate speech

The European Union has launched an online “code of conduct” in collaboration with major stakeholders of modern day internet communication.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft have been a part of the launch of this code which aims to curtail the increasing trend of hate speech and xenophobia on the internet; particularly across Europe.

The clauses incorporated in this code aren’t legally binding for these media companies and most of the policies are already covered by existing EU legislation, for instance the ‘E-commerce Directive’.

However, one of the things that this code focuses on is the immediate reviewing of comments pertaining to hate speech, racism or xenophobia. The companies will be required to review the notification within 24 hours and take quick action.

“The recent terror attacks have reminded us of the urgent need to address illegal online hate speech,” said Vĕra Jourová the EU commissioner for justice while speaking to The Guardian.

“Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalise young people and racist use to spread violence and hatred,” she added.

The code of conduct represents the first major attempt to determine how technology firms should respond to hate speech online.