EU Commission recommends nations 'fast-track' implementation of censoring 'illegal content' on the internet after Hamas attack

Using the atrocities committed by Hamas as their impetus, the European Commission has recommended that Member States fast-track their response to "the spread and amplification of illegal content, such as terrorist content or unlawful hate speech, before it can lead to a serious threat to public security."

While the initial deadline for Member States was February 2024, the Commission is encouraging nations to move up the clock on their compliance with the directives.

The idea of the Commission is for all European nations to force social media companies and search engines to comply with the Digital Services Act. This comes after the European Union launched an investigation into Elon Musk's X over content spread by Hamas and their supporters on the platform.

Musk was approached by the Commission over "indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content & disinformation in the EU." He was informed in no uncertain terms that the DSA "sets very precise obligations regarding content moderation."