The first Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online was adopted on 31 May 2016 by the Commission and Google (YouTube), Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Microsofthosted consumer services, as relevant. Between 2018 and 2022, Instagram, Dailymotion, Snap Inc., Jeuxvideo.com, TikTok, LinkedIn, Rakuten Viber and Twitch subscribed to the commitments of the Code.

Over these years, the Code facilitated key progress, including on the swift review and removal of illegal hate speech content and increased trust and cooperation between the platforms, civil society organisations and Member States authorities in the form of a structured process of mutual learning and exchange of knowledge. Conscious of the significant opportunities and challenges represented by fast technological development and the evolutions in the policy and legal frameworks in the European Union, the Signatories continue sharing a collective responsibility and pride in promoting the respect of fundamental rights, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, in the online environment, as well as the Commission’s and EU Member States’ commitment to tackle illegal hate speech online.

Read the full revised and updated Code+ here