LinkedIn to Comply with EU Hate Speech Takedown Rules

LinkedIn Joins EU Initiative to Combat Illegal Hate Speech

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, has formally pledged to accelerate the removal of unlawful hate speech from its platform within the European Union. This commitment is demonstrated through its accession to a self-regulatory initiative – the EU’s Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online.

European Commission Welcomes Participation

The European Commission announced LinkedIn’s participation today, with Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders expressing a welcome for the platform’s involvement. He emphasized that the Code remains a vital instrument in the ongoing battle against hate speech, particularly within the context of evolving digital services legislation.

Reynders further encouraged other businesses to join the effort, aiming for an online environment free from hateful content.

Prior Support Through Microsoft

Although not previously a direct signatory, LinkedIn stated it had previously supported the Code through its parent company, Microsoft, which was already committed to the initiative.

Defining Illegal Hate Speech in the EU

Within the EU, ‘illegal hate speech’ encompasses content promoting racist or xenophobic ideologies, or inciting violence or animosity towards individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, skin color, religion, or ethnic origin.

It’s important to note that the EU Code operates as a supplement to existing national hate speech laws, and is not legally binding in itself.

Origins of the Code of Conduct

The initiative was launched in 2016, with initial participation from major tech companies including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Microsoft. The goal was to expedite the removal of illegal content, or at least publicly demonstrate a commitment to doing so.

Growing Participation and Remaining Gaps

Since its inception, several other platforms, such as TikTok, have joined the Code. However, many digital services, particularly messaging platforms, have yet to participate. This has prompted the Commission to actively seek broader industry involvement.

EU Strengthening Regulations on Illegal Content

Concurrently, the EU is developing more robust legal frameworks to address illegal content online.

The Digital Services Act, proposed last year, aims to align online regulations with offline legal requirements concerning illegal content and goods.

Recent Legislation on Terrorist Content

Furthermore, the EU recently adopted legislation regarding the removal of terrorist content, which will be applicable to online platforms starting next year.

A Combined Approach: Self-Regulation and Legislation

The Commission intends to maintain a balance between self-regulatory measures and incoming legislation, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of hate speech, which intersects with freedom of expression.

Brussels recognizes the value of employing both ‘carrots and sticks’ in digital regulation, especially in areas involving speech.

The Role of the DSA and the Code

While the Digital Services Act will establish standardized procedures for responding to illegal content, the continued existence of the hate speech Code allows the Commission to encourage platforms to exceed the minimum legal requirements. This approach potentially allows lawmakers to avoid controversy when considering more extensive speech moderation measures.

LinkedIn’s Previous Commitment to Disinformation

The EU also maintains a voluntary Code of Practice on Online Disinformation, to which LinkedIn has been a signatory since its inception, through Microsoft.

Lawmakers are planning to strengthen this Code, aiming for greater enforceability, but currently have no plans to legislate on the issue of disinformation.

Monitoring Results and Areas for Improvement

A monitoring exercise conducted in June 2020 revealed that participating companies reviewed 90% of reported content within 24 hours and removed 71% of content identified as illegal hate speech.

The Commission acknowledged these results but urged signatories to enhance their efforts, particularly in providing user feedback and increasing transparency regarding reporting and removals.

Addressing the Spread of Disinformation

The Commission has also repeatedly called on platforms to address the proliferation of ‘fake news’, including the “coronavirus infodemic” experienced last year.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has likely accelerated EU efforts to effectively regulate the digital sphere and address these complex issues.