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.
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.
Last review: 17 June 2022