Countering illegal online hate speech

The European Commission reached an agreement with major Information Technology companies to counter illegal online hate speech. They unveiled a Code of Conduct that includes a series of commitments to combat the spread of such content.

The Commission together with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft (''IT companies'') announced a code of conduct that includes a series of commitments to combat the spread of illegal hate speech online in Europe.

By signing this code of conduct, the IT companies commit to tackling quickly and efficiently illegal hate speech online. This will include the establishment of internal procedures and staff training to guarantee that a majority of illegal content is assessed and, where necessary, removed within 24 hours.

The definition of illegal online content is based on theFramework Decision on Combatting Racism and Xenophobia which criminalises the public incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin.