2023-07-10 16:44:13
“No, social networks did not do enough during” the riots, insists Thierry Breton. ISSEI KATO / REUTERS
From August 25, platforms such as Twitter or Snapchat could see their access temporarily suspended if they do not curb the dissemination of sensitive content.
Did social networks set fire to the powder during the riots? The role of platforms in the dissemination of images and content inciting hatred has been severely singled out by the executive. As a convinced, Emmanuel Macron spoke out in favor of a blockage “punctual and temporary» of social networks when the situation requires it. A firm position defended tooth and nail by the Head of State. To the point of calling TikTok and Snapchat to “a spirit of responsibility» as to the relay of violence that they can become. This last platform did not wait to defend itself in the columns of Le Figaro, claiming to have deleted “any content that violates the guidelines” and set up a team dedicated to this moderation. Despite these preventive measures, the platforms are still under pressure from this threat of suspension.
Threat which, in reality, will be effective from August 25, as Thierry Breton recalls. Monday morning, at the microphone of France Info, the commissioner for the internal market of the European Union banged his fist on the table. “No, social networks have not done enough during“the riots and”they will have to do more”. Because from the fateful date of August 25, a new European legislative artillery will enter into service. Title DSA, for Digital Services Act, this regulation aims to protect Internet users from the abuses of digital platforms, and in particular from Gafam. As the site says public-lifethis text works on a very simple principle: “what is illegal offline is illegal online”. The goal ? Limit the dissemination of illegal or harmful content, or illegal products such as racist attacks, child pornography images, misinformation, sale of drugs or other counterfeit products…
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Meta shows white paw, Twitter persists
Since then, “when there is hateful content, which calls for example to revolt, to kill or burn cars, the platforms will have the obligation in the moment to erase it. If they don’t, they will be immediately sanctioned.», specifies Thierry Breton. And to bend the digital giants, the former Minister of the Economy does not hesitate to brandish the operating ban. But despite this sword of Damocles, the platforms don’t seem so worried.
In an interview at Pointthe European Commissioner in charge of Industry, Digital, Defense and Space has “could see that there is still work to be done. Especially when it comes to resources dedicated to content moderation“. Even if some show good faith – like Meta whose CEO Marx Zuckerberg says he hires 1000 people specifically for this position, others turn a deaf ear. Twitter, and its sulphurous boss Elon Musk, is instead hiding behind the barricade of freedom of expression. But, “algorithms push content with high virality [comme les vidéos des émeutes, NDLR] because it brings in publicity“, criticizes Thierry Breton.
With the DSA, it will then be possible to take measures vis-à-vis refractory platforms. “The DSA provides for the possibility of requesting a restriction of access in cases where a platform does not remedy an offense for which it has been sanctioned and which constitutes a threat to the life or safety of persons.“, specifies the European commissioner to the Point. However, such sanctions can only be taken as a last resort, since they have “consequences for the freedom of expression and information of our fellow citizens. This freedom is one of the pillars of our democracy».
In detail, with the DSA, the platforms will have to adapt their algorithms, in order to make the difference among the popular contents between those which respect the good conduct and the others. Moreover, “they will have to strengthen their cooperation with trusted flaggers“, like Pharos, a French digital tool that allows you to report any illegal content. Not all web players will have to comply with the DSA as of August 25. Only very large online platforms and major search engines are affected by this advanced ultimatum. For others, the deadline will be February 17, 2024.
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