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Addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online

Digital technologies have made it easier for terrorists to communicate across borders and have amplified terrorist propaganda and the spread of extremism.

Terrorists use social media and the dark web to radicalise, recruit, incite to violence and facilitate the carrying out of terrorist attacks.

To counter terrorists' misuse of the internet, in April 2021 the EU adopted a regulation on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online. The new rules apply from 7 June 2022.

The infographic explains what terrorist content online is and why new rules are necessary

EU rules to fight terrorist content online

How do the new rules work?

  • EU countries designate national authorities
  • Authorities issue orders to remove terrorist content
  • Internet platforms have 1 hour to remove the content

In the event of systematic breaches, internet platform have to pay penalties of up to 4% of their turnover.

What is online terrorist content?

Text, images, audio or videos used to:

  • incite terrorist acts
  • give instructions on how to commit offences
  • solicit participation in terrorist groups

Why are EU rules necessary?

To prevent terrorists from using the internet to:

  • spread propaganda
  • learn how to manufacture explosives
  • incite lone-actor terrorism
  • publicise or live-stream their activities

Do the rules apply to EU companies only?

No, the rules apply to all providers offering services in the EU, whether or not they have their headquarters in one of the member states.

 

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Last review: 23 October 2025