Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google pledge to review hate speech complaints within 1 day

Facebook, Twitter,Google's YouTube and Microsoft pledged onTuesday to review requests for the removal of hateful contentposted on their platforms within 24 hours as part of a code ofconduct agreed with EU regulators.

Authorities across Europe have been trying in recent monthsto get social platforms to crack down on rising online racismfollowing the refugee crisis, with some even threatening actionagainst the companies.European Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said tacklingillegal online hate speech has taken on added urgency because ofthe increasing use of social media by terrorist groups toradicalise young people and spread violence and hatred.

The European Commission said the four web giants will reviewthe majority of valid notifications for removal of illegal hate
speech in less than 24 hours and remove or disable access tosuch content if necessary.

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