The European Union (EU) has updated its rules on online hate speech, requiring major social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube to take stronger action against harmful content. The European Commission announced the changes on Monday, integrating them into the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
In addition to Facebook, X, and YouTube, other platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitch, Snapchat, and Microsoft-hosted services are also joining the commitment to this enhanced code of conduct.
EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen expressed her support for the updates, emphasizing that there is no place for illegal hate in Europe, whether online or offline. She welcomed the strengthened code, which is part of a broader effort to combat hate speech online.
The revised code introduces new measures to improve oversight and response times. It requires social media companies to allow non-profit or public organizations with expertise in hate speech to monitor how reports are reviewed. These organizations must also assess at least two-thirds of hate speech reports within 24 hours.
To further tackle harmful content, the companies will use automated detection tools and provide detailed explanations on how their recommendation systems may amplify illegal content before it’s removed. They will also share country-specific data on hate speech, broken down by categories like race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
This strengthened code is expected to play a crucial role in enforcing the Digital Services Act, ensuring that tech platforms are held accountable for managing illegal and harmful content across the EU.
 has updated its rules on online hate speech, requiring major social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube to take stronger action against harmful content. The European Commission announced the changes on Monday, integrating them into the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).){kind=link}