The draft is quick to acknowledge that a common rule set wouldn't be easy. There are "justified" differences depending on the type of content, for instance. However, it believes that consistent takedown guidelines would lead to a "more transparent and predictable environment" where internet companies would be more willing to curb hate speech.

A paper like this doesn't guarantee action. Nonetheless, it's easy to see the tech industry being uneasy with mandates. What if the rules are too rigid and don't account for differences between sites and services? What are the chances of inadvertently pulling innocuous material? And would a harmonized process be quick enough that 24 hours is a realistic time frame for the vast majority of removals? If the idea goes forward, the EU will have to be careful to set realistic rules that are acceptable for both companies and the public.