The European Commission, along with the European Board for Digital Services, has officially endorsed the integration of the new Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online into the Digital Services Act (DSA). This effort seeks to bolster the regulation of harmful content on major online platforms, in accordance with EU law. The revised code proposes extensive measures aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight, including the introduction of “Monitoring Reporters” who will assess how signatories manage hate speech notices.
The integration into the DSA, which is recognized as a significant piece of legislation globally for monitoring social media, highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework to protect users. The DSA can issue retention orders and request information from social media companies, cementing its role as a key mechanism in maintaining the integrity and safety of digital spaces.
Originally created in 2016, the Code of Conduct was signed by major tech companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, and YouTube, alongside many other social networks that have since followed suit. This initiative underscores the commitment of these platforms to reduce the prevalence of illegal and harmful content online.
The European Commission is now planning to continuously evaluate the achievements of the Code of Conduct’s objectives through persistent monitoring of compliance. An assessment report published in recent years illustrated a marked increase in the removal of hateful content—from 28% in 2016 to 72% in 2019. The ultimate aim is to address systemic risks and challenges posed by illegal content, aligning with the objectives outlined under Article 45 of the DSA.
As the landscape of digital content evolves, this development marks a proactive step by the European Commission in ensuring online safety and combating digital hate speech more effectively.