Romania's 15-Minute Content Removal Law: A Necessary Step or a Dangerous Precedent?

Romania's Proposed Social Media Law: A Necessary Step or Overreach? A new bill proposes strict content removal rules for social media platforms in Romania. While aiming to combat illegal content, concerns are rising about its potential impact on freedom of speech and its ability to address complex issues like online violence, drug use, and underage risky behavior. One commentator noted, "The law is a good start, but it needs to be more comprehensive. We can't just focus on misinformation; we need to address the wider problem of harmful content." The proposed law, if passed, would require platforms to remove flagged content within 15 minutes, with penalties for non-compliance. However, critics argue that this timeframe is too short and could lead to the removal of legitimate content. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing online safety with freedom of expression in the digital age. The discussion is ongoing, with various stakeholders weighing in on the potential consequences of the bill.