EU Ministers Approve Plans to Combat Hate Speech in Social Media Video Content
Social media has a long and complex history with ugly concepts such as hate speech and online abuse. There are some dark depths to the World Wide Web, and platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have a knack for shining a light on them. Twitter has long struggled to find an effective method of tackling the spread of such content, while Facebook's algorithm-led approach seems to garner nothing but criticism. Well, it seems the EU has finally had enough, as ministers of the European Union approved on Tuesday proposals which would force social media companies to take a more hands-on approach to combating the presence of such negative themes in video content.
The proposals still need to be agreed on by the European Parliament before becoming official law, but EU lawmakers have been pushing for stricter regulation of such platforms for some time now, so I doubt they'll provide much of a roadblock. If given the final nod, the proposal will require social media companies to take measures to block videos containing hate speech, incitement to hatred, or content justifying terrorism.
The proposals do take into account the value that video content provides to news reports and the like, which many people source through social media platforms, but argue that tougher regulations are needed in regards to the exact content of said videos. One measure includes requiring the establishment of mechanisms which allow users to flag offending content, which many of the larger companies already do, albeit in a not-entirely-effective manner.
“We need to take into account new ways of watching videos,
and find the right balance to encourage innovative services, promote European
films, protect children and tackle hate speech in a better way,” said Andrus
Ansip, EU Commission Vice-President for the digital single market.
To proposals however only cover videos which are stored in the platform's archives, and do not extend to live-streaming services such as Facebook Live. This is likely due to the fact that authorities frankly seem to have no idea as to how to effectively screen such content. This is somewhat worrying in itself, given the number of high-profile controversies to appear on Facebook Live since its launch.
As part of the plans, member states can also require video-sharing platforms to make financial contributions to the production of European works in the country in which they were established or their target audience resides.
Sam Bonson
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently
working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand
his horizons.
EU Ministers Approve Plans to Combat Hate Speech in Social Media Video Content
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.