Brussels – The messaging app Snapchat is joining the EU code of conduct against online hate speech, the European Commission said on Monday.

Snapchat is the seventh major social media platform to join the voluntary initiative aimed at cracking down on hate speech, which includes a commitment to handle notifications of offensive online activity within 24 hours.

"An efficient way to make the internet a safer place"

The code of conduct was launched with the participation of Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube in May 2016. Google+ and Instagram have also joined since.

"I welcome Snapchat's commitment to tackle illegal online content," said European Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova.

"The growing number of participants proves that the EU Code of Conduct is an efficient way to make the internet a safer place."

EU monitors companies

According to the latest progress report on the implementation of the code of conduct, companies removed 70 per cent of illegal hate speech they were notified about, and in 81 per cent of the cases the removal happened within 24 hours.

The EU is monitoring how well companies adhere to the voluntary code of conduct as the bloc mulls whether further steps are necessary.