YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK CRACK DOWN ON ‘HATE SPEECH’:

In Europe, outside the protections of the First Amendment, American tech giants including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter reached an agreement with the Europe Union on Tues. 31 May 2016, to crack down on online speech that some, apparently including activist groups, identify as "hate speech.” The newly approved "code of conduct” will have the tech companies "quickly” remove "illegal hate speech directed against anyone over issues of race, color, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin.” The companies agreed "to strengthen their partnerships with civil society organizations that often flag content that promotes incitement to violence and hateful conduct,” the report said. Vera Jourova, the EU commissioner "responsible for justice, consumers and gender equality,” said, "The Internet is a place for free speech, not hate speech.” Bloomberg’s Stephanie Bodoni said the agreement also includes Google and Microsoft. Long identified as a problem have been online communications among members of terrorist groups such as ISIS, "which has used the Web and social media to spread its message of hate against its enemies,” the report said. The companies admitted it would be a "challenge” to balance freedom of expression and "hate speech.” (WND)