The Terrorist Content Online Regulation, which applies as of 7 June 2022, aims to “counter the spread of extremist ideologies online” by introducing stricter rules for online platforms.

Terrorist content is defined in the regulation as “material that incites or solicits someone to commit, or to contribute to the commission of, terrorist offences, solicits someone to participate in activities of a terrorist group, or glorifies terrorist activities including by disseminating material depicting a terrorist attack”.

Margaritis Schinas, the European Commission’s vice-president for promoting our European way of life, said: “With these landmark new rules, we are cracking down on the proliferation of terrorist content online and making the EU’s Security Union a reality.

“From now on, online platforms will have one hour to get terrorist content off the web, ensuring attacks like the one in Christchurch cannot be used to pollute screens and minds. This is a huge milestone in Europe’s counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation response.”

Ylva Johansson, commissioner for home affairs, added: “Taking down terrorist content immediately is crucial to stop terrorists from exploiting the Internet to recruit and encourage attacks and to glorify their crimes. It is equally crucial to protect victims and their families from being confronted with crimes a second time online.

“The Regulation sets clear rules and responsibilities for member states and for online platforms, protecting freedom of speech where warranted.”