Non-Compliance With Austria’s Proposed Hate Speech Law Could Mean a Fine Up to 10 Million Euros
The development comes as a result of Austria’s online hate speech law. The law will be applicable on platforms with more than 100,000 users and annual revenues of more than 500,000 euros.
Justice Minister Alma Zadic who herself became a target for online hate speech this year in January said that the law will give victims of online insults and abuse the opportunity to fight back quickly at a low cost.
Proposed compliance mandate for internet platforms
The law will make way for a new fast-track procedure and would enable victims to obtain a cease and desist order within a few days. It will be free of charge for the first three years. Internet platforms will have to set up easily accessible reporting systems, appoint a central person for users and report on the complaints received annually. They will have to delete criminal content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint and otherwise unlawful content within seven days.
ISPA welcomes Austrian government’s move to regulate hate speech
The initiative was welcomed by Austria’s association of digital service providers ISPA. The association represents more than 200 companies including Google Austria GmbH and Facebook Germany GmbH.
According to Reuters, the law will be submitted shortly to parliament for review and will need parliamentary approval at a later date.
