“Virtual aggression fueled by a sense of impunity and lack of responsibility for words often turns into real attacks on people who are the objects of hate. Spreading untruths, offensive comments, threats or discriminatory statements harm constitutionally protected values such as good name, honor, personal dignity, and therefore values that require special protection," the business community wrote in the appeal.
According to business organizations, such practices may lead to serious emotional and mental problems, especially among children and adolescents. Minors victims of hate speech often experience low self-esteem, which may lead to depression and thoughts, or even suicide attempts.
Entrepreneurs: Fake news destroys the reputation that has been developed over the years
Entrepreneurs as well as companies related to them, foundations and associations that have the right to protect their good name are also objects of hate and fake news. False information objectively destroys the reputation and reputation of the people behind these entities that have been developed over the years. Opponents and competitors take unfair advantage of the situation.
“Fighting this harmful phenomenon requires taking far-reaching legislative, educational and self-regulatory actions. Hate speech from anonymous people deserves special attention in the discussion. Anonymity allows for a lack of responsibility for the words spoken and a much greater sense of impunity," it was emphasized.
The demands of the entrepreneurs' organization include:
– Coordination of codification activities on the regulations of the civil law system with work on the criminal law system.
– Immediate completion of work on the amendment to the Act on the Provision of Services by Electronic Means (and certain other acts) in order to ensure full use of the tools provided by the Digital Services Act ("DSA").
– Introduction of additional provisions, not covered by the DSA, obliging Internet intermediaries to collect and store data of users posting content in order to facilitate the pursuit of rights by injured parties.
– Introduction of the so-called institution into the civil law system (Code of Civil Procedure). blind lawsuits.
– Joint actions for education.
Moreover, the signatories of the appeal recommend inviting hosting providers, including online platforms and media owners, to a joint agreement on actions to combat illegal and harmful content (including deep fakes, disinformation and hate speech). –
The agreement would be self-regulatory and would involve entities committing to:
– immediate response to reports of deep fakes, disinformation or hate speech, no later than within 24 hours of receiving the report;
– using algorithms to filter and block hateful content, especially in the case of mass hate;
– appointing a team of moderators responsible for detecting hate speech content;
– commitment to provide commenting space for registered users
