The new Regulation will cover content such as texts, images, audio recordings or videos that incite, encourage or contribute to terrorist offences, contain instructions to facilitate or encourage participation in a terrorist group.
In line with the definition of offences contained in the Anti-Terrorism Directive, the provisions will also cover content containing indications on how to manufacture and use explosives, firearms and other weapons for terrorist purposes.
Terrorist content must be removed within the hour
Service providers will have to remove or prevent access to terrorist content in all Member States within one hour of receiving the removal order from the competent authority. Member States shall adopt rules on penalties to take account of the nature of the infringement and the size of the company responsible.
Protection of educational, artistic, research and journalism materials
Content placed for educational, journalism, artistic or research purposes, or used for awareness raising purposes, will not be considered as terrorist content under the new legislation.
No general obligation to monitor or filter content
Internet platforms will not have a general obligation to monitor or filter content. However, if competent national authorities establish that the supplier is exposed to terrorist content, he will have to take concrete measures to prevent their dissemination.
It will be up to the service provider to decide which specific preventive measures should be taken, nor will it be mandatory to use automated tools. Companies should publish annual transparency reports on the actions they have taken to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content.