European Commission urges Internet companies to address illegal content more proactively

During a closed meeting with Internet companies, the European Commission called for a more efficient takedown of illegal content – including extremist content and hate speech, as well as breaches of intellectual property rights – and increased sharing of this material with law enforcement. According to EU home affairs commissioner Dimitris Avramopolous, Internet platforms should remove illegal content within two hours. According to one EU official, the meeting is considered to be a ‘last chance’ for Internet companies to demonstrate that they are capable of tackling the challenge without EU legislation.