NPR

Austrian Court Rules Facebook Must Delete Hate Speech

The decision could have global consequences: The court ruled that the harsh words against an Austrian politician must be deleted from Facebook worldwide.
An Austrian court ruled on Friday that the "hate postings" against an Austrian politician must be deleted from Facebook worldwide. The case concerns posts insulting Eva Glawischnig, the leader of the Austrian Green party. Above, a poster featuring Glawischnig before legislative elections in September 2013.

In a decision that could have global consequences, an Austrian court ruled on Friday that Facebook must delete postings deemed to be hate speech.

"[T]he Viennese appeals court ruled on Friday that Facebook must remove the postings against Greens leader Eva Glawischnig as well as any verbatim repostings, and said merely blocking them in Austria, adding that Facebook's lawyers in Vienna declined to comment on the ruling, but that a court spokesman confirmed it.

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