US abstains from global pledge to curb online violence

PARIS (AP) — The White House is not endorsing a global pledge to step up efforts to keep internet platforms from being used to spread hate,

organize extremist groups and broadcast attacks, citing respect for “freedom of expression and freedom of the press.”

The statement came Wednesday after World leaders led by French President Emmanuel Macron and executives from Facebook, Google,

Twitter and other tech companies gathered in Paris to compile a set of guidelines dubbed the “Christchurch Call,” named after the

New Zealand city where 51 people were killed in a March attack on mosques. Much of the attack was broadcast live on Facebook,

drawing public outrage and fueling debate on how to better regulate social media. Facebook said before the meeting that it was tightening

rules for livestream users.

In a statement, the White House said it will “continue to be proactive in our efforts to counter terrorist content online” while also protecting

free speech…..

https:// apnews.com/9aa77864e6754a5e9624c6f864691f28