Major tech companies, including Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, and Google’s YouTube, have pledged to strengthen their efforts against online hate speech under a revised European Union (EU) code of conduct. This move, announced on January 20, aligns with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates stricter controls on illegal and harmful content.‍

Expanded Commitments Under the DSA

According to a report from Reuters, the updated code of conduct, established in 2016 and now integrated into the DSA, aims to enhance the accountability of tech platforms in combating hate speech. EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “In Europe, there is no place for illegal hate, either offline or online.”

The revised code obligates companies to collaborate with not-for-profit and public entities specializing in hate speech. These organizations will monitor how platforms handle reports of hate speech and evaluate at least two-thirds of the notices submitted within 24 hours.‍

Key Measures and Tools

Under the new agreement, companies will implement advanced automatic detection tools to curb the spread of hate speech and improve transparency regarding how recommendation algorithms influence the reach of illegal content. Platforms are also required to provide detailed country-specific data on hate speech incidents, classified by race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Signatories include Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Snapchat, Rakuten Viber, Twitch, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Dailymotion. Compliance with these measures will play a critical role in determining the enforcement of the DSA by EU regulators.‍

Industry and Public Response

The move has garnered attention for its potential impact on the fight against hate speech in Europe. While advocates for online safety have welcomed the updated code, critics have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of algorithmic tools and the challenges of balancing free speech with content moderation.

Platforms must now navigate a fine line between regulatory compliance and maintaining user trust.