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The United States says it is 'fighting for free speech online'.

The United States has declined to join an international initiative tackling online extremism.

Citing the need for freedom of speech, the White House said it wasn’t in a “position to join” the Christchurch Call. 

Despite declining the offer, on social media, the White House said it’s “fighting for free speech online”.

What is the Christchurch Call?

Led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, it encourages governments to tackle extremist content.

The initiative focuses on extremist content that surfaces online and on social media platforms.

It’s been made in response to a terror attack that was live-streamed on Facebook.

The initiative was announced by Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday.

Governments from Sweden, India, Austria and Germany have also signed up.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured, centre) has gained the support of France and the UK with the Christchurch Call. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

In March, two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch was attacked, leaving 51 people dead.

“Sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers”

Another country joining in support is the UK. 

“The sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers in Christchurch shocked the world,” said Mrs May on Wednesday.

“That 1.5 million copies of the video had to be removed by Facebook […]  is a stark reminder that we need to do more both to remove this content and stop it going online in the first place,” continued the prime minister.

As well as Ardern, it was spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron.

They joined political and industry leaders in Paris on Wednesday to launch the action.

The text of the initiative outlines “collective, voluntary commitments” from governments and internet companies.

These companies include Facebook, Amazon, Google, Twitter and Microsoft.

In addition to their support, they pledge to “expressly prohibit the distribution of terrorist and violent extremist content”.

“My message to governments and internet companies in Paris will be that we must work together.”

Theresa May, British Prime Minister

Also, the firms will develop crisis protocols to respond to terror attacks and publish “transparency reports” which detect and remove violent extremist content.