BRUSSELS, Jan 20, (V7N) – Major tech companies, including Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, Google’s YouTube, and others, have committed to intensifying efforts to combat online hate speech under an updated code of conduct. This strengthened code will now be integrated into the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission announced Monday.

The voluntary code, established in May 2016, includes signatories such as Dailymotion, Instagram, Jeuxvideo.com, LinkedIn, Microsoft’s hosted consumer services, Snapchat, Rakuten Viber, TikTok, and Twitch.

Henna Virkkunen, the EU Tech Commissioner, stated:

"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."

The DSA imposes obligations on tech platforms to address illegal and harmful content more effectively, and compliance with the revised code may influence regulators’ enforcement of the Act.

Monitoring by Experts:

Tech companies will allow not-for-profit or public entities specializing in illegal hate speech to monitor their review processes.

These entities will assess at least two-thirds of hate speech notices sent to companies, which must be reviewed within 24 hours.

Automatic Detection Tools:

Companies will use automated detection systems to identify and reduce hate speech on their platforms.

They will provide transparency on how recommendation systems and algorithms influence the spread of illegal content before removal.

Country-Level Data Reporting:

Platforms will publish detailed, country-specific data on hate speech incidents categorized by factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Implications

The enhanced code is a significant step in aligning platform responsibilities with the DSA, aiming to curb the spread of hate speech while ensuring accountability. Non-compliance could lead to stricter regulatory actions under the Act.

This updated framework highlights the EU’s continued emphasis on creating a safer online environment and ensuring tech platforms play a proactive role in combating illegal and harmful content.

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