Report on the Dissemination of Terrorist Content Online
On 14 February 2024, the Commission adopted a report on the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2021/784, which addresses the dissemination of terrorist content online (→ eucrim 2/2021, 95-97 ). The Regulation applies as of 7 June 2022 (→ eucrim 2/2022, 112) The report evaluates the implementation of the Regulation by Member States and online platforms, as well as its effect on the prevention of the dissemination of terrorist content online. The main findings in the report include the following:
- Designation of authorities: As of 31 December 2023, 23 Member States have appointed competent authorities to issue removal orders, leading to around 350 orders to remove terrorist content.
- Coordination and tools: Cooperation between Member States and Europol, particularly through Europol's Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU), has been effective. The "PERCI" tool, launched on 3 July 2023, has facilitated the processing of removal orders and referrals, with 14,615 referrals processed by the end of 2023.
- Hosting Service Providers' compliance: Providers have taken proactive steps, including specific terms and conditions to limit the spread of terrorist content, and measures for the notification of imminent threats to life.
- Remedies: On the basis of information provided by the Member States, at least twelve Member States have “effective procedures” in place to enable hosting service providers and content providers to challenge a removal order. However, providers have not challenges such orders so far.
- Support for smaller providers: The Commission has launched projects to help smaller hosting service providers comply with the Regulation.
- Infringement proceedings: The Commission initiated proceedings against 22 Member States for not fully complying with the Regulation, resulting in increased notifications of competent authorities under Art. 12(1) of the Regulation and the closure of 11 infringement proceedings.
Overall, the report concludes that the Regulation has been effective in reducing the dissemination of terrorist content online, thereby ensuring the safety and security of EU citizens.