By Rob Lever
Facing mounting pressure to use their technological clout to curb the spread of jihadist propaganda, major US social networks have finally joined forces in an effort to curb "terrorist content."
Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft and Google-owned YouTube announced Monday a drive to stop the proliferation of videos and messages showing beheadings, executions and other gruesome content, posted by the likes of the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.
The move comes as social media giants face increasing scrutiny over their role in the explosion of so-called "fake news" -- which is believed to have influenced the US election -- as well as online bullying and hate speech.
Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have struggled for years with this issue, seeking to be open to free speech without being used to promote violence or hate.
But with the rampant use of the networks by jihadists to plan, recruit and depict violent attacks, the tech platforms were forced to take a stronger stand.
"There is no place for content that promotes terrorism on our hosted consumer services," they said in a joint statement.
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