In Germany, Twitter is required under the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) to remove illegal content following user reports. Some users have systematically tested this over a period of six months. The first evaluations would now show that “deletions are the absolute exception, even in the case of clear criminal offences”, writes IT lawyer Chan-jo Jun. Even images of child abuse have remained. Libel and slander complaints would be dismissed within minutes.
Twitter relies on bad algorithms or inadequate moderation rules and so far got away with it, “because no sanctions were to be expected,” Jun writes. According to the German IT lawyer, Twitter is only threatened with fines “if the system is proven”. So far this has not been the case. With the semi-annual test, Twitter users therefore want to demonstrate that Elon Musk’s social network systematically violated the Network Enforcement Act.
Shortly after taking power, Twitter’s new CEO fired entire teams tasked with identifying fake news and other problematic content on the platform. The New York Times later reported that in the US, Twitter took twice as long to remove child pornography content reported by various organizations.
Last week, the European Commission made it clear that Twitter is not living up to its commitments in the fight against disinformation. The Brussels authority published reports for the first time on Thursday on how Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, Twitter and other online platforms are implementing the rules of a voluntary EU code of conduct. “I am disappointed that Twitter’s report lags behind the others,” said EU Commissioner Vera Jourova.
Musk had previously personally assured that EU rules against fake news and hate speech would be followed. According to the EU, one of the reasons why Twitter must take responsibility is that Russia is waging a disinformation war.
Twitter has also committed to new security and data protection controls in the US. According to technology insider service Platformer, Twitter employees are concerned about how to meet the regulators’ tightened requirements. Employees quoted by Platformer say it has become an afterthought at the company since Musk took over. His attitude is basically, “Kick my ass, you regulators”.
In Germany, the NetzDG, popularly known as the Facebook law, has been in force since October 2017. It aims to “more effectively combat hate crimes, criminal fake news and other criminal content on social networking platforms,” the federal Justice Department writes. These included “insult, slander, libel, public incitement to commit crimes, incitement to hatred, depiction of violence and threats”.
(oli)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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