Following the European Union’s lead in the fight against illegal and destructive web content, Israel on Wednesday announced plans for social media sites such as TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, Reuters reported.
Outgoing Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel said he would hold social media corporations accountable for objectionable and illegal content, while expanding openness to users and a regulator to oversee corporations.
It would apply to sites with more than 500,000 users in Israel, or 5% of the population.
Social media corporations will have to act temporarily to remove “offensive illegal content” under the proposed laws, which still require drafting and parliamentary approval. They will also be required to have a hotline to report such content, and Israeli courts will be able to order factors to remove illegal content.
Social media corporations would be required to have a location in Israel, as well as a greater appeal mechanism for users whose content has been removed.
“This is an unregulated, negative and destructive online social phenomenon that has become that,” Hendel said.
“Legal liability will be implemented to virtual platforms in regards to the distribution of illicit sexual content, incitement to violence and terrorism and others,” he said.
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