The European Commission has reported early progress in its efforts to curb illegal hate speech online, following the implementation of a strengthened voluntary framework with major tech platforms. The findings, published in an article titled “First results published under revised Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online” on the European Commission’s Digital Strategy website, offer an initial assessment of how companies are complying with updated commitments.
The revised Code of Conduct, which builds on a 2016 initiative, expands both the scope and accountability of participating platforms. Signatories now include a broader group of online services, ranging from large social media networks to smaller platforms, all of which have agreed to assess and remove illegal hate speech in line with EU and national laws. The updated framework also introduces more detailed reporting requirements and a stronger emphasis on transparency.
According to the Commission’s early evaluation, companies are generally responding more quickly to notifications of illegal content. A majority of flagged posts are now reviewed within 24 hours, reflecting improved internal moderation systems and increased resources dedicated to content oversight. The data also indicate a rise in removal rates for content deemed to violate applicable laws, suggesting a more consistent enforcement approach across platforms.
However, the report highlights persistent challenges. While response times have improved, there are variations in how platforms interpret and apply legal standards, leading to inconsistencies in takedown decisions. The Commission also notes that user feedback mechanisms remain uneven, with some platforms failing to provide clear explanations when content is removed or retained.
Civil society organizations involved in monitoring the Code’s implementation have welcomed the progress but urged further improvements, particularly in ensuring accountability and safeguarding fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. They emphasize the need for clearer definitions of illegal hate speech and more robust appeal processes for users.
The Commission views the revised Code as a complementary tool alongside emerging regulatory measures, including the Digital Services Act, which imposes legal obligations on online platforms to address harmful content. Together, these frameworks are intended to create a more coherent and enforceable EU-wide approach to combating online harms.
While the initial results suggest that voluntary cooperation between regulators and industry can yield tangible improvements, the Commission underscores that continued scrutiny and refinement will be necessary. Future assessments are expected to focus on long-term compliance trends, the effectiveness of transparency measures, and the overall impact on reducing illegal hate speech across digital platforms.
