European Commission refers IRELAND, BULGARIA and PORTUGAL to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not complying with the Terrorist Content Online Regulation

The European Commission decided today to refer Ireland (INFR(2022)2121), Bulgaria (INFR(2022)2113) and Portugal (INFR(2022)2129) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with certain obligations from the Regulation on the dissemination of terrorist content online (“TCO Regulation” - Regulation (EU) 2021/784). The TCO Regulation, which became applicable on 7 June 2022, requires that terrorist content in the EU is taken down by online platforms within one hour upon receipt of a removal order issued by Member States' authorities. This helps to counter the spread of extremist ideologies online – which is key for preventing attacks and addressing radicalisation – while safeguarding fundamental rights. The Commission considers that Ireland, Bulgaria and Portugal have failed to comply with one or more obligations under the TCO Regulation. This includes the requirement to designate the authority or authorities responsible for enforcing the Regulation and ensuring compliance, and to notify the Commission of those authorities; to establish a public contact point to handle requests for clarification and feedback in relation to removal orders; and to lay down the rules and measures on penalties in case of non-compliance of hosting service providers with their legal obligations. The Commission is therefore referring Bulgaria, Ireland and Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union. 

More information is available in the press release.