Brussels — Snapchat has agreed to join an EU-sponsored group of US internet giants to combat hate speech and online extremism, EU officials said on Monday. Snapchat, a multi-media messaging app, joins Instagram and the Google+ social network as well as founding participants YouTube, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook in a "code of conduct" to look at suspicious content within 24 hours and remove it. "I welcome Snapchat’s commitment to tackle illegal online content," EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said in a statement. "The growing number of participants proves that the EU Code of Conduct is an efficient way to make the internet a safer place," Jourova said. "This is particularly important as it will help protect the younger generations that use Snapchat." The EU joined forces with US-based internet firms two years ago amid growing alarm in Europe over the use of social media as a recruiting tool, especially by the Islamic State group. Issuing a report in January, Jourova said she ...
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