ALERT: TikTok, Meta, and X 'exposed to terrorist content'

Coimisiún na Meán, the regulator of broadcasting and online media in Ireland, published a decision on Wednesday, November 13, that declares Instagram, TikTok, and X, are 'exposed to terrorist content.'

The decision comes under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, this is an EU-wide mechanism for counteracting the dissemination of terrorist content online and enabling the speedy removal of terrorist content by hosting service providers.

An Coimisiún has reached this verdict following the notification of two or more final removal orders in respect of these three providers, and following engagement with these providers.

TikTok, X and Meta (in respect of Instagram) will now be obliged to take specific measures to protect their services from being used for the dissemination of terrorist content, and are to report to Coimisiún na Meán on the specific measures taken within three months from when the decision was made.

These measures must effective and respectful of the rights of users.

Coimisiún na Meán will supervise and assess the mitigation actions taken by the providers.

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Hosting service providers that receive two, or more, final removal orders from EU authorities within a one year period may be classified as being exposed to terrorist content. 

If An Coimisiún believe that specific measures taken do not comply with legislative requirements, they will address a decision to the hosting service provider, requiring it to take the necessary measures. 

Infringement by hosting service providers of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation can lead to the imposition of administrative fines, including financial penalties of up to four percent of global turnover.

EU law defines terrorist content as, inciting the commission of terrorist offences, advocating the commission of terrorist offences, soliciting a person/group to commit or contribute to the commission of terrorist offences, instructing or threatening terrorist offenses, soliciting a person/group to participate in the activities of a terrorist group, and, instructing on the making or use of weapons, substances, or other specific methods or techniques for the purpose of committing or contributing to terrorist offences.

An Coimisiún advises users of online services who see suspected terrorist content to report that content to the platform where they have seen it, and to report any content which could be a threat to life to An Garda Síochána.