Online hate speech could soon be a thing of the past

Some of the world's biggest online companies are getting together to battle hate speech on the internet.

Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft and YouTube are all signing up to a code of conduct by the European Union that looks to combat online hate speech. Companies must now review all complaints about offensive or xenophobic content within 24 hours, with the terror attacks on Brussels and Paris in recent months thought to be behind the decision to clamp down on hate speech. “The recent terror attacks have reminded us of the urgent need to address illegal online hate speech," Vĕra Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, announced. “Social media is unfortunately one of the tools that terrorist groups use to radicalise young people and racists use to spread violence and hatred. “This agreement is an important step forward to ensure that the internet remains a place of free and democratic expression, where European values and laws are respected.”