EU wants Facebook and Google to delete the content of terrorism within an hour after being flagged
According to theverge reports, the European Commission has released a broad guide to Facebook, Google and other technology companies to eliminate online terrorism and other illegal content. The commission outlines recommendations that apply to all forms of illegal content, including terrorist media, child sexual abuse, counterfeit products, copyright infringement and material incitement to hatred and violence. These recommendations also provide clearer procedures, more effective tools and stronger safeguards, including manual monitoring and verification, so that mis-labeled content can be restored.
As part of the new guidelines, the committee asked the company to delete the content of terrorism within an hour of being notified. The European Commission has pointed out that the content was most harmful during the first few hours of the Internet, a serious threat to citizens’ safety, security, and fundamental rights. The committee decided to put these operational measures as soft law before it was introduced.
What is illegal offline is also illegal online. Limited liability system under EU's #eCommerce law already works well – it should stay in place. My statement at press conference on fighting illegal content online: https://t.co/c8atYaU59e pic.twitter.com/suFyfIsQSV
— Andrus Ansip (@Ansip_EU) March 1, 2018
The Wall Street Journal pointed out that these proposals are not binding but can still serve as the legal reference in court. The commission said their aim is to eliminate inappropriate content more quickly and to strengthen cooperation between companies, flag-bearers and law enforcement agencies. According to The Wall Street Journal, technology companies are concerned that these guidelines may infringe on freedom of expression. Executives said high-tech companies have already met all the existing EU requirements in the region.
Source: theverge
