European Commission Supports Revised Code to Counter Illegal Hate Speech on Online Platforms

Revised EU code of conduct sets new standards for combating online hate speech

On 20 January 2025, the European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services announced their support for the revised Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online, now aligned with the Digital Services Act (DSA).

This update builds upon the original 2016 Code, aiming to enhance how online platforms manage content deemed illegal hate speech under EU and national laws.

Key Commitments of the Revised Code

The updated Code introduces several commitments for signatory platforms:

• External Monitoring: Platforms will undergo monitoring by qualified non-profit or public entities, referred to as "monitoring reporters." These entities are responsible for assessing the platforms' handling of hate speech reports.
• Timely Review of Reports: Signatories commit to reviewing at least two-thirds of hate speech reports submitted by monitoring reporters within 24 hours. This rapid response aims to ensure swift action against illegal content.
• Transparency and Collaboration: The Code emphasises the importance of transparency in content moderation processes and encourages collaboration among stakeholders to effectively address hate speech.
• User Awareness: Platforms are encouraged to raise user awareness about what constitutes hate speech and how to report it, empowering users to play an active role in maintaining a respectful online environment.

The EU Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online

The robust response provided by the European Union

European Commission

Enhancing Compliance with the Digital Services Act

By aligning the Code with the DSA, the European Commission aims to bolster compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

The DSA provides a comprehensive framework for regulating digital services, and the revised Code serves as a tool to support platforms in meeting these obligations.

The European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services also recommend that the Code provide data on measures taken to address hate speech, along with country-level information on internal classifications of flagged content.

This data-driven approach aims to enhance transparency and accountability in how platforms handle illegal content.

Commission welcomes the integration of the revised Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online into the Digital Services Act

The Commission and the European Board for Digital Services welcome the integration of the revised ‘Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online +’ into the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which encourages voluntary codes of conduct to tackle risks online.

European Commission - European Commission

Industry Participation and Future Outlook

Major tech companies, including Meta (Facebook), X (formerly Twitter), Google's YouTube, and others, have agreed to strengthen their efforts against online hate speech under this updated Code.

These companies have pledged to cooperate with non-profit and public organisations to monitor and review hate speech reports, aiming to address at least two-thirds of such notices within 24 hours.