Online Hate Speech Takedowns Improving, EU Says

Tech companies have improved takedowns of online hate speech but need better communication with users about removal policies, said the European Commission Friday in its third code of conduct evaluation since the effort started in 2016 (see 1605310051). Google+ and Facebook’s Instagram told the EU they're joining the code of conduct, which includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft, plus nongovernmental organizations and privacy groups. Companies within 24 hours removed about 70 percent of illegal hate speech reported to them, but “challenges still remain, in particular the lack of systematic feedback to users,” EU said. The takedown rate was 59 percent in May and 28 percent in the first monitoring round. All companies participating in the code of conduct “fully meet the target” of reviewing notifications within 24 hours, EU said. The commission said it will continue to monitor code implementation and hopes to expand the number of participating online platforms. Google confirmed its commitment. Facebook didn't comment.