Germany begins to fully enforce a hate speech law that requires operators of large online networks to act faster in removing hate speech, fake news and illegal content.

Media reports said on Monday that the transition period given to companies to adjust with the so-called Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) ended on January 1, 2018.

The new law, which passed at the end of June 2017 and came into force in early October, requires online social networks with more than two million members to remove “obviously illegal” otherwise they could face fines of up to 50 million euro.

The networks are also required to ensure that complaints about illegal content can be submitted more easily and processed more quickly.

The main focus of the measure is Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Social media giants have prepared to comply with the new law by increasing the number of their editors.

The law has, however, raised controversy in Germany, with critics saying it could affect free speech or result in censorship.

In related news, the European Commission set guidelines for social media platforms in autumn urging them to be more pro-active about removing “illegal content.”

It warned social media giants that legal steps would be taken if prompt action was not taken.

Culled from Presstv