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Social Networks Cracking Down On Hate Speech

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The European Union has reached an agreement with some of the world's biggest social networks on ways to combat the spread of hate speech online.

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have agreed to a new set of rules designed to stop racist, violent and illegal content from going viral. They agreed to review a "majority" of flagged content within 24 hours and if necessary-- remove it.

They also pledged to train their staff and work with each other to tackle the problem. As well as promote "independent counter-narratives" to fight hate speech, including content promoting non-discrimination, tolerance and respect.

 

The European Union's justice commissioner says "Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalize young people and racists use to spread violence and hatred"

Most of the companies already have their own rules and community standards in place.

Facebook says it gets as many as 1 million violation reports from users every day and Twitter recently expanded the team that reviews reports of terror activity on the network.

The Obama administration has asked the companies to develop techniques to detect radicalization, and block pro-ISIS messages, photos and videos.

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