The European Commission issued today a set of “operational measures” to tackle illegal content online. This also includes terrorist content and hate speech. Tech companies are recommended to follow a “one-hour-rule” to take down terrorist content and to implement faster detection systems, including automated ones. Tools should also be shared with smaller companies. Businesses will have to submit information to the EC about their compliance with this Recommendation within three months.

On 27 February 2018, the European Commission held the second multi-stakeholder meeting on the problem of fake news. The meeting is part of a series of events, and of a comprehensive initiative the EC is taking to address the issue. During the event, it was clear that the EC’s position is still far from being defined. On the other hand, the advertising industry is advocating for light-touch regulation and is defending its own ability to enforce self-regulation.

Tomorrow, the European Commission will host a colloquium in Brussels on the issue of “fake news”, which will see the participation of experts and industry representatives. This is very likely another step toward legislative intervention, which could come in the form of a Recommendation from the EC.