CONTENT
Terrorist Content Online Regulation
CONTENT
Terrorist Content Online Regulation
Origin
Regulation (EU) 2021/784 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online
General overview
The Terrorist Content Online Regulation (TCO Regulation) applies to all hosting service providers offering services within the EU and sets out rules for the reporting and removal of online terrorist content.
Amongst other things, the TCO Regulation introduces a requirement that service providers must remove flagged terrorist content within one hour of receiving a ‘removal order’ from a competent authority. Removal orders must contain justification as to why the material is considered to be terrorist content, including detailed information on how to challenge the removal order.
The TCO Regulation also requires in scope service providers to take "specific measures" where they are exposed to terrorist content.
Service providers are also obliged to publish annual transparency reports outlining actions they have taken against the dissemination of terrorist content.
On 31 May 2023, Minister Simon Harris signed the European Union (Online Dissemination of Terrorist Content) (Designation of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána as a Competent Authority) Regulations 2023 into law.
On 2 June 2023, by way of SI 270/2023, An Garda Síochána was designated as the Irish competent authority for issuing removal orders in accordance with Article 12(1)(a) of the TCO.
On 14 November 2023, by way of SI 545/2023, Coimisiún na Meán was designated as the competent authority in respect of oversight of specific measures in accordance with Article 12(1)(c) of the TCO. However Ireland has yet to designate a competent authority in respect of Article 12(1)(b) – scrutinising removal orders, and Article 12(1)(d) – imposition of penalties.
Status
Regulation applies across the EU since 7 June 2022
European Union (Online Dissemination of Terrorist Content) (Designation of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána as a Competent Authority) Regulations 2023 signed 31 May 2023
REGULATION APPLIES
SINCE 7 JUNE 2022
(Some Irish transposing measures outstanding)