A coalition of tech companies and human rights groups has pushed back against a proposed hate-speech law in Germany, arguing that it could have "grave consequences for the right to freedom of expression in Germany, across the European Union, and worldwide". German chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet approved the proposal [...] earlier in April. It now needs the German parliament's green light... "The practical effect of this bill would be to outsource decisions on the balance between the fundamental right of freedom of expression and other legally protected rights to private companies," said Mark Stephens, the UK lawyer who chairs the GNI's board... The GNI's membership and mission are somewhat controversial...