European Union warns social networks of risk of “live broadcast of executions” by Hamas

The European Union (EU) has asked social media platforms to prepare for the risk of executions being broadcast live by Hamas, according to the bloc’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, this Wednesday (18).

“As part of our interactions with platforms, we specifically ask them to prepare for the risk of live-streamed executions by Hamas, an imminent risk from which we must protect our citizens, and we seek assurances that platforms are well prepared for such possibilities ”, said Breton in a speech to the European Parliament.

See also — CNN shows situation in Gaza hospital after bombing

A spokesman for Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades said last week that the radical Islamic group will begin executing civilian hostages and handing them over if Israel attacks people in Gaza without warning.

“We declare that we will respond to any attack against our people who are safe in their homes without prior warning, with the execution of our civilian hostages, and we will broadcast it with audio and video,” Abu Obaida warned in an audio statement broadcast on Al Jazeera Arabic network.

Brenton, in turn, pointed out: “But let’s be clear about this approach. By pointing out the responsibility of platforms, and their CEOs, in the management (or lack of management) of illegal content distributed on their platforms, we are sending a very explicit signal: things have changed in Europe. There is a law. It must be respected.”

“And let me be very clear: how platforms respond to the Commission’s questions will be included in our reports on compliance with their obligations under the DSA,” he concluded.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a regulation in EU law that aims to create a safer digital space where users’ fundamental rights are protected and establish a level playing field for businesses.

*Kareem El Damanhoury, from CNN, contributed to this report

Source: CNN Brasil

You may also like