On January 20th, 2025 the European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services have introduced an updated Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online+, now part of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This initiative aims to make online platforms more responsible in tackling illegal hate speech and improving transparency of the process.
What’s changing?
The new Code of Conduct+ builds on the original 2016 version and has been signed by major platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Microsoft’s consumer services, Twitch, Dailymotion, Rakuten Viber, and Jeuxvideo.com).
This update strengthens how these platforms handle illegal hate speech, ensuring they comply with EU and national laws.
Companies that sign up to the Code of Conduct+ agree to:
- Work with experts: Collaborate with Monitoring Reporters, such as non-profit organizations and public bodies with expertise in hate speech. These entities may also have the Trusted Flaggers1 status under the DSA.
- Fast response times: Review at least two-thirds of flagged hate speech content within 24 hours.
- Increase transparency: Use and report on automated tools that detect and reduce hate speech.
- Engage with experts and civil society: Partner with specialists to monitor emerging trends and prevent hate speech from spreading.
- Educate users: Work with civil society organizations to raise awareness and teach users how to report illegal content.
The platforms should:
- Share data on their actions, including how algorithms handle hate speech and how widely it spreads before removal.
- Provide country-specific insights, categorizing hate speech incidents based on factors like race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Undergo continuous evaluation to ensure the Code is effective and is updated when necessary.
What’s Next?
Online platforms must comply with legal orders from courts and authorities regarding hate speech under the DSA. Following the Code of Conduct alone does not guarantee full DSA compliance, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The European Commission and the European Board for Digital Services will continue monitoring the implementation of the Code, making adjustments where needed, and ensuring that platforms effectively combat online hate speech while protecting fundamental rights and democratic values. For more information consult the Code of Conduct+.
Fo any questions about this article please contact Dr. Maryna Manchenko at maryna.manchenko@cesie.org.
- Entities whose status of trusted flagger has been awarded according to the provisions set out in Article 22(2) of the DSA for their expertise and competence in notifying illegal content and whose information have been published in the publicly available database referred to in Article 22(5) of the DSA. ↩︎
