France has passed a controversial hate speech law that gives the government the authority to fine social media companies if they fail to remove what is considered illegal content within as little as one hour.

Reuters, reports that the law states: “… online content providers will have to remove pedophile and terrorism-related content from their platforms within the hour or face a fine of up to 4% of their global revenue”.

This translates to about $1.36 million in the event they flout the regulations. There is, however, no fine if content providers remove content that it later regards as acceptable.

Additionally, other content that is ‘manifestly illicit’ will have to be taken down within 24 hours. The new law affects companies like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media companies.

France’s Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet told parliament that the law will help reduce social media hate speech.

“People will think twice before crossing the red line if they know that there is a high likelihood that they will be held to account,” she said.

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Twitter in response says that it will continue to work with authorities to build a safer internet. Its public affairs executive for France Audrey Herblin-Stoop, says the company will continue to fight against illegal hate speech whilst protecting an open internet, freedom of expression, and fair competition.

She also said Twitter’s investments in technologies that signal hate speech will help make the process faster.

Some legal experts and activists, however, fear the kind of powers the law may confer on authorities. The fear is that the law may permit authorities to abuse their power and censor the internet for political gains.

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