In light of recent terrorist attacks in Europe, online terrorist content has become a severe threat. As a result, the Terrorist Online Content Regulation (OTC Regulation)7 came into force on June 7, 2021, and is a landmark regulation that sets out specific rules for online terrorist content (one-hour terrorist content rules).
The purpose of the Regulations is to prevent terrorist content from being disseminated online and leveraged to encourage or engage in terrorist activities. Therefore, the Regulation is essential for law enforcement and businesses, which must be aware of the rules to take appropriate action to remove terrorist content.
Since the Regulation’s entry into force, the Commission has been working with the Member States and service providers to ensure that they are prepared for its implementation. Europol has also developed an EU Platform for tackling illegal content. This platform provides information on identifying and removing terrorist content and advice for companies on how to comply with the Regulation.
The Regulation is essential not only for law enforcement but also for businesses. By understanding the rules and taking appropriate action, terrorist content can be prevented from being disseminated online and exploited to promote terrorist activities.
What other conduct should be moderated online?
Terrorist content: Online moderation is essential in responding to terrorism. It is important to remember that terrorist content is not limited to violence or causing harm. Terrorists use the web as a tool to spread their message and radicalize others.
Extremist content: online extremism is another major branch of terrorism. It can promote hatred and violence against different groups of people and can undermine social cohesion.
Hate speech: as the name suggests hate speech should be eliminated immediately. It can severely affect individuals, communities and countries.
Cybercrime: This can cause economic loss and social disruption and undermine the security of individuals and societies.
Disinformation: Although it may seem less important to many, this can seriously affect public confidence in the media, democratic processes and the rule of law.
Fake news: Fake news can have serious consequences for the integrity of the electoral process, public trust in the media and people’s mental health.
Child exploitation: Child exploitation and online child pornography can have devastating consequences for victims, their families, and society. This is an evil that is growing year by year and puts the lives of thousands of children at risk.
Illegal online gambling :can negatively impact the economy, society and people’s mental health.
Illegal online commerce: as its name suggests, illegal commerce is based on illegal transactions. These can affect the lives of humans and hundreds of animals trafficked year after year on the black market.
The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Regulation of terrorism content online is effective, proportionate and flexible.
Content moderation platforms are guaranteed to work with the Member States and service providers to ensure that Regulation is implemented quickly and effectively for businesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online terrorist content is harmful and must be removed immediately to prevent terrorist attacks. Regulating terrorist content online is a concrete way to combat this threat and is a major step forward in strengthening European security.
