Italy to force social platforms to flag violent hashtags and rumors
The Italian cabinet discussed a decree that would compel social-media providers to notify law-enforcement whenever a hashtag or rumor appears that could be linked to violent incidents.
In a recent cabinet session at Palazzo Chigi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chaired a debate on a new decree aimed at tightening security on social networks. The proposal obliges providers of platforms, including TikTok, to supply any data that could assist the judicial police in tracing messages tied to violent episodes, with automatic alerts triggered by certain hashtags or viral rumors. Officials highlighted the novelty and complexity of the phenomenon, noting concerns about foreign meddling and the potential convergence of peripheral youth unrest with transport-sector protests in the south.
President Sergio Mattarella, speaking in Imperia, condemned all violence as unacceptable and called for a balanced approach that safeguards citizens’ freedom to protest. He urged the government to conduct a thorough analysis before finalising the decree, recalling past advice against reactive law-making. The measure is set to be presented to the Council of Ministers later today.
Why it matters
It could reshape how online speech is monitored and how quickly authorities can respond to threats of violence in Italy.
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