Delete Hate Speech or Pay Up, Germany Tells Social Media Companies
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/business/germany-facebook-google-twitter.html
Social media companies operating in Germany face fines of as
much as $57 million if they do not delete illegal, racist or
slanderous comments and posts within 24 hours, under a law
passed on Friday. The law reinforces Germany's position as one
of the most aggressive countries in the Western world at
forcing companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter to crack
down on hate speech and other extremist messaging on their
digital platforms. But the new rules have also raised
questions about freedom of expression. Digital and human
rights groups, as well as the companies themselves, had
opposed the law on the grounds that it placed limits on
individuals' right to free expression. Critics also said the
legislation shifted the burden of responsibility to the
providers from the courts, leading to last-minute changes in
its wording. Technology companies and free speech advocates
argue that there is a fine line between policy makers' views
on hate speech and what is considered legitimate freedom of
expression, and social networks say they do not want to be
forced to censor those who use their services. Silicon Valley
companies also deny that are failing to meet countries'
demands to remove suspected hate speech online ... The law
allows for up to seven days for the companies to decide on
content that has been flagged as offensive, but which may not
be clearly defamatory or inciting violence. Companies that
persistently fail to address complaints by taking too long to
delete illegal content face fines that start at 5 million
euros, or $5.7 million, and could rise to as much as EUR50
million.
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--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein ([email protected]): https://www.vortex.com/lauren
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