EU Urges Big Tech to Combat Terrorist Content Strict Compliance Required
In the wake of escalating tensions surrounding the recent Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent surge in misinformation, the European Union (EU) has issued a stern warning to tech companies. The EU insists that these companies must swiftly remove illegal content from their platforms or face severe legal repercussions.
Crucial Reminders to Big Tech
EU industry chief Thierry Breton has directly addressed key figures in the tech industry, including Elon Musk, CEO of messaging platform X, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta. Breton emphasized the urgent need to curb disinformation and illegal content related to the recent violence in the Middle East.
In his letters to Musk and Zuckerberg, Breton set a tight deadline of 24 hours for the companies to provide detailed plans on how they intend to prevent the spread of harmful content on their platforms.
EU Stresses Legal Obligations
The European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, has underscored that all social media companies are legally obligated to prevent the dissemination of harmful content associated with Hamas. The content, if linked to Hamas, qualifies as terrorist content, making it illegal under both the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation.
Enforcement of DSA and TCO Regulations
The EU’s recently implemented DSA mandates large online platforms, including X and Meta’s Facebook, to remove illegal content promptly. These platforms also required to implement measures to address risks to public security and civic discourse. Violators of the DSA could face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover, and repeat offenders might even face the possibility of banned from operating in Europe.
Call for Strict Compliance
The European Commission urges online platforms to fully comply with EU rules, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the DSA and closely monitoring the implementation of the TCO Regulation. The EU’s firm stance reflects its commitment to combating the spread of illegal and harmful content online.
As the situation unfolds, the tech industry faces mounting pressure to ensure strict compliance with EU regulations, promoting a safer digital environment and responsible online discourse. Stay tuned for updates on the developments in this crucial effort to maintain the integrity of online platforms.
