Delete Hate Speech or Pay Up, Germany Tells Social Media Companies
Germany witnessed an increase in racist comments and anti-immigrant language after the arrival of more than a million migrants, predominantly from Muslim countries, since 2015, and Heiko Maas, the justice minister who drew up the draft legislation, said on Friday
that it ensured that rules that currently apply offline would be equally enforceable in the digital sphere.
By MELISSA EDDY and MARK SCOTTJUNE 30, 2017
BERLIN — Social media companies operating in Germany face fines of as much as $57 million if they do not delete illegal, racist or slanderous comments
and posts within 24 hours under a law passed on Friday.
Companies that persistently fail to address complaints by taking too long to delete illegal content face fines
that start at 5 million euros, or $5.7 million, and could rise to as much as €50 million.
Technology companies and free speech advocates argue
that there is a fine line between policy makers’ views on hate speech and what is considered legitimate freedom of expression, and social networks say they do not want to be forced to censor those who use their services.
“With this law, we put an end to the verbal law of the jungle on the internet and protect the freedom of expression for all,” Mr. Maas said.