Social-Media
Facebook, YouTube and Twitter face the very same EU rules as broadcasters on hateful content
For the first time in the European Commission 's Guidelines announced on Thursday, Facebook, Alphabet-owned YouTube, Twitter and other social media will be subject to EU broadcast rules on the language and harmful content of hatred.
The amendments adopted in 2018 to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive were partly a result of radio stations' lobbying for online platforms with the same obligations as the traditional media company.
Online players must ensure that users are protected from hate speech and that children are protected from harmful content in the like of traditional media players, the Commission said.
Online platforms need to act against the flag content that incites violence, hate and terror, ensuring that children's programs have proper advertising and product rates, she added.
For social platforms where audiovisual content is regarded as a fundamental, but not the major part, the non-binding guidelines apply. EU countries with the final word on the list of companies until 19 September to implement the rules.
The Commission also said that on-demand video services would need, with Netflix and Amazon Prime, to dedicate a minimum of 30 percent of their catalogs to European content.
Providers of media services located in one EU country but with clients in other EU countries must also contribute to the financing of European works in line with their aim of promoting European films and broadcasting.
The Commercial Television Association in Europe said The guidelines are limited, yet welcome, and new responsibilities apply to the online platforms.
However, it also said that certain changes have placed administrative burdens on the traditional media players, more quotas and levies leaving less room for investment and new services.
