The push for tougher regulation shows a divergence from the American-led vision of the internet that is largely market driven and free of government oversight. In Germany, companies risk fines if hate content is not removed in as little as 24 hours. The European Union is also debating changes to laws that protect internet companies from being liable for content posted on their platforms. Europe has been targeting the tech industry for years over growing concerns that American tech giants have too much power and influence. Enforcement of European Union antitrust laws has resulted in billions of dollars in penalties against Google, Apple, Amazon and others for anticompetitive behavior.

Source: New York Times February 12, 2020 11:21 UTC