Macron Looking to Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable for Online Hate Speech

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

French President Emanuel Macron announced on Dec. 8 that the EU is considering new legislation to hold tech companies liable for hate speech that occurs on their platforms.

“This is unprecedented European regulation to fight online hate, to define the responsibility of these large platforms for their content,” said Macron, as reported by Reuters. “Every day, we have to deal with issues such as anti-Semitism, racism, hate speech and online harassment. There is no international regulation on these subjects today, strictly speaking.”

At present, the European Union does not possess any international laws restricting hate speech, though the Council of Europe recommends laws restricting hate speech through its subsidiary European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Macron, who is preparing for France to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on the eve of the 2022 French presidential election.

Though Macron has not announced a reelection bid, many French observers expect the president to run again.

This rare confluence of the European Union presidency with the national election season will be of crucial importance to Macron, whose political future might hinge on his ability to leverage the European Union presidency for decisive action at this late juncture of his first term.

The announcement about the regulation of hate speech has particular connotations in this election, as Macron faces two nationalist opponents whose critics have labeled them bigots and xenophobes: the National Rally candidate Marine Le Pen and the independent candidate Éric Zemmour, who announced his bid last month.

Though Macron did not mention these rivals in particular, his announcement comes amid a backdrop of polarized opinion regarding hate speech, with particular implications for the president’s political opponents.

Marine’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has been convicted numerous times under existing French hate speech laws for his remarks on the Holocaust and Islam. Marine has taken great pains to distance herself from the more incendiary remarks of her father, but the controversy persists, with commentators still accusing the younger Le Pen of racism and extremism.

Zemmour, though not beleaguered by the family history of Le Pen, has nonetheless acquired a reputation as a firebrand and an outspoken proponent of French nationalism. His penchant for politically incorrect, controversial remarks has garnered comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Like Jean-Marie Le Pen, Zemmour has previously been convicted under existing French hate speech laws, having previously paid two fines and currently facing a third conviction for “public insult” and “incitement to hatred or violence.”

By Nicholas Dolinger

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

NCAA streamlines transfer portal

The NCAA lords of the Division I Administrative Committee have unveiled a fresh batch of transfer portal reforms.

Section 230 Immunity, Defective Design and Trial Lawyers (Part 2)

Congress granted social media platforms Section 230 immunity even when children are harmed, trial lawyers found a way to bypass protection.

A Tale Of Two Political Parties

While the GOP, led by Trump, has produced results, Democrats offer horrible policies and candidates, presenting a vivid contrast to the American people. 

The Case for Western Islam

The suggestion of a expression of Islam which emerges from western culture is one that comes from a place of love.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Former President Biden has begun receiving a combination of radiation and hormone treatments for prostate cancer, spokesperson announced.

Homan Says DOJ Probing Funding Behind ‘Organized’ Attacks on ICE

Border czar, Homan said DOJ launched an investigation into funding for what he called “organized” attacks on federal immigration enforcement agents.

There Are No Survivors in the Blast at a Tennessee Explosives Factory, Sheriff Says

The blast in rural Tennessee that leveled an explosives plant and was felt for miles around left no survivors, authorities said Saturday

Trump Names Longtime Adviser Dan Scavino to Key Personnel Position

One of President Trump’s longtime advisers, Dan Scavino, is going to be in charge of selecting and appointing key positions within the executive branch.

First Lady’s Effort Helped Reunite 8 War-Displaced Children With Their Families

First lady Melania Trump said 8 children impacted by the fighting between Ukraine and Russia were reunited with their families on Oct. 9.

Trump to Impose New 100 Percent Tariff on China on Nov. 1

President Trump said that the US will impose an additional 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods and export controls on critical software starting on Nov. 1.

Trump Admin Agrees to $20 Billion Rescue Plan for Argentina

The U.S. government has finalized a $20 billion economic rescue plan for Argentina, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Oct. 9.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central