Ireland faces top EU court over delay in removing terrorist and bomb-making content online
The European Commission announced today that it has referred Ireland, along with Bulgaria and Portugal, to the Court of Justice of the EU, as the government has not fully implemented the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation.
The regulation requires countries to make sure terrorist content is taken down from websites and social media platforms (within one hour of being told to do so).
The rules, which came into effect in June 2022, are meant to stop extremist groups from spreading propaganda, recruiting people, or encouraging attacks online.
Under the regulation, terrorist content includes any material that promotes or glorifies terrorist acts, encourages others to join or support terrorist groups, gives instructions for making or using weapons or explosives, or threatens to carry out an attack.
The regulation also covers content related to explosives precursors — substances and materials that can be used to make bombs and other explosive devices.
TCO regulation is designed to ensure that this type of content is removed swiftly to limit its spread and potential harm.
Advertisement
According to the Commission, Ireland has not met several basic requirements under the regulation.
These include appointing and notifying a competent authority to issue and enforce removal orders, setting up a public contact point to handle questions and complaints about those orders, and putting in place a system of penalties for companies that fail to comply.
Delayed Irish response
While the Commission said that the Irish government has made some progress, it added it came too late and still falls short of full compliance.
It wasn't until September 2024 – over two years after the rules came into force – that Coimisiún na Meán was appointed to handle penalties on service providers for breaches of the TCO Regulation.
At the same time, the government confirmed that An Garda Síochána would act as the authority responsible for issuing takedown orders for terrorist content.
The Commission has criticised the delays, arguing that these steps should have been in place much earlier to ensure effective enforcement.
It had already warned Ireland in January 2023 through a formal notice, followed by a legal opinion in February 2024.
With those concerns still unresolved, the Commission has now referred the case to the Court of Justice.
If the court finds that Ireland has failed to meet its legal obligations, it could face financial penalties.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Irish Presidential election frontrunner emerges as potential high-profile FG candidate rules himself out of Aras race
FORMER head of the GAA Sean Kelly has blown the whistle on his Presidential ambitions – clearing the way for Mairead McGuinness to become Fine Gael's runner in the race to the Aras. It comes as Advertisement 3 Sean Kelly has ruled himself out of running for president Credit: Michelle Devane/PA Wire 3 Mairead McGuinness looks set to become Fine Gael's Aras candidate Credit: Reuters With This leaves the way clear for former European Parliament Vice President Advertisement Read more in News 'I looked at the pros and cons and I asked myself one question – am I happy with what I am doing at the moment and I said I am, would I be happier spending seven years in the Aras considering John B Keane said a day out of Kerry is a day wasted and I said perhaps not. 'So I looked at all the pros and cons and I am very disappointed in some respects because it is only something that comes along once in a lifetime and an awful lot of TDs and supporters within Fine Gael and outside Fine Gael were anxious for me to run and to support me. 'But ultimately I had to make up my own mind having consulted with my family who were 100 per cent behind whatever decision I was going to take but I think the best thing is at this point of time is to continue the work I've been doing in Pressed on why he was not running to become president, the Ireland South MEP said while the Aras is the highest office in Irish politics it is also 'largely a ceremonial role' and 'you don't have that much power and influence.' Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Fine Gael members have one more week left to nominate a candidate however, sources say it is now likely that McGuinness will go unopposed and become their runner in the race. Left leaning opposition parties including Labour, the 'The final Christmas message of my terms' - Michael D Higgins shares 'special tribute' in last ever festive address However, Sinn Fein have yet to make an official decision on whether to back this unity candidate or run their own candidate in the race with some in the party talking up the chances of Other opposition groups, including Aontu, Independent Ireland and independents TDs, are also in talks about running a candidate together with some names circulating, including businessman Declan Ganley. Advertisement Fianna Fail have yet to indicate whether or not they will run a candidate in the election with party sources indicating that the decision is effectively being left up to SITTING ON THE FENCE Several members of the party today sat on the fence when asked by the Irish Sun if they wanted to see Fianna Fail enter a candidate to try win the Presidency. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick said: 'Our members are very engaged, we as a parliamentary party are very engaged on it but to be fair it is a very significant undertaking. 'It is a very important office and I believe we will use the time over the summer months and then when we come back in the autumn probably around our parliamentary party think in – that time frame – I would expect to see some conclusions being reached. I can't see it before then.' Advertisement 3 DDYGEG Aras an Uachtarain (official residence of the President of Ireland) in Dublin, Ireland Credit: Alamy
The 42
30 minutes ago
- The 42
Simon Harris says 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said 'careful consideration' was given to a number of Palestinian visa applications who wished to travel to Ireland for a GAA tour this month. As reported by The Journal yesterday, the group has been informed by the Irish Immigration Service that their visa applications have been refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. The GAA Palestine group, which helped to lodge the visa applications for 47 Palestinians who belong to sports clubs in the West Bank, has said they are shocked by the decision, and have refuted that any of the requested documentation was not provided. GAA Palestine had plans in place for 47 Palestinians to travel here, including 33 children aged between 9 and 16 years of age. A total of 152 families in Ireland had signed up to host the group as they were to travel around Ireland. The tour was due to kick off on 18 July, and it had garnered major support from Irish host families who were to welcome the Palestinians into their homes, and from clubs that have been fundraising to help finance the trip. Asked about the matter in the Dáil this morning, Harris said the government does not doubt the 'good faith' of those organising these events, but added that there are many factors which must be considered before a visa can be granted. 'Unfortunately, not all people will be able to demonstrate that they satisfy the conditions to be granted a visa to come to Ireland. The granting of a visa is a very important legal document in our migration system. Advertisement 'There was a request for 47 people to travel to Ireland from Palestine. 33 of these were children who were not traveling the company of their parents. 'And these applications were given very careful consideration, and like I say, a visa officer has to be satisfied that children are traveling under the company of their parents or an appropriate guardian. Additional documents, such as birth certs, consent letters are regularly requested to establish the relationship,' said the Tánaiste. He added that an appeals process is now underway. 'Devastated' Organisers behind the tour have said that they are 'devastated' and they have disputed that the department did not have all the documentation required to approve the visa applications, which they claim were submitted in mid-May. GAA Palestine said in a statement this morning that it is 'deeply disappointed and shocked' by the recent decision to refuse the visas, stating that comprehensive documentation and detailed plans about the various visits to GAA clubs across Ireland were submitted. 'Contrary to the information communicated in recent correspondence, Irish immigration officials have claimed that the visa applications were refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. 'We understand from letters sent by the Irish Embassy in Israel that the reason cited was a lack of detailed itineraries and financial arrangements — information that had been provided with the application. In fact, GAA Palestine was under the impression that all necessary documentation and information had been provided and met the requirements for visa approval as stated by the Irish Embassy in Israel,' said the group. Steven Redmond, chairperson of GAA Palestine, expressed his profound dismay stating that just seven days before these young boys and girls were meant to leave the West Bank, they are now being told that additional documentation is now required. 'We went as far as sending a volunteer to the West Bank to assist with additional documentation that was requested as part of our application,' he said. He said GAA Palestine remains committed to collaborating closely with the Department of Justice to resolve this matter swiftly. 'We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action,' he added. GAA Palestine has now called on the Irish authorities to reconsider the decision stating that the unfortunate setback 'will not deter us'. Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy is one of a number of opposition TDs who has hit out at the decision. He has called on the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to intervene to review the 'inexplicable decision'. 'We are talking about 33 children aged 9 to 16 years of age and their adult chaperones who intended to play GAA and visit a beach and Croke Park. 'It is incomprehensible that a resolution could not be found to address any issues with visa applications. I had written to both the Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris, three weeks ago urging them to ensure that the visa process was concluded swiftly. Neither Minister replied to me,' he added. The department must work with GAA Palestine to make a success of this incredible opportunity for cultural exchange, he said. With original reporting by Eimer McAuley. Written by Christina Finn and posted on
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Simon Harris says 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said 'careful consideration' was given to a number of Palestinian visa applications who wished to travel to Ireland for a GAA tour this month. As reported by The Journal yesterday , the group has been informed by the Irish Immigration Service that their visa applications have been refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. The GAA Palestine group, which helped to lodge the visa applications for 47 Palestinians who belong to sports clubs in the West Bank, has said they are shocked by the decision, and have refuted that any of the requested documentation was not provided. GAA Palestine had plans in place for 47 Palestinians to travel here, including 33 children aged between 9 and 16 years of age. A total of 152 families in Ireland had signed up to host the group as they were to travel around Ireland. The tour was due to kick off on 18 July, and it had garnered major support from Irish host families who were to welcome the Palestinians into their homes, and from clubs that have been fundraising to help finance the trip. Asked about the matter in the Dáil this morning, Harris said the government does not doubt the 'good faith' of those organising these events, but added that there are many factors which must be considered before a visa can be granted. The Journal / YouTube 'Unfortunately, not all people will be able to demonstrate that they satisfy the conditions to be granted a visa to come to Ireland. The granting of a visa is a very important legal document in our migration system. 'There was a request for 47 people to travel to Ireland from Palestine. 33 of these were children who were not traveling the company of their parents. 'And these applications were given very careful consideration, and like I say, a visa officer has to be satisfied that children are traveling under the company of their parents or an appropriate guardian. Additional documents, such as birth certs, consent letters are regularly requested to establish the relationship,' said the Tánaiste. He added that an appeals process is now underway. 'Devastated' Organisers behind the tour have said that they are 'devastated' and they have disputed that the department did not have all the documentation required to approve the visa applications, which they claim were submitted in mid-May. Advertisement GAA Palestine said in a statement this morning that it is 'deeply disappointed and shocked' by the recent decision to refuse the visas, stating that comprehensive documentation and detailed plans about the various visits to GAA clubs across Ireland were submitted. 'Contrary to the information communicated in recent correspondence, Irish immigration officials have claimed that the visa applications were refused due to 'insufficient documentation'. 'We understand from letters sent by the Irish Embassy in Israel that the reason cited was a lack of detailed itineraries and financial arrangements — information that had been provided with the application. In fact, GAA Palestine was under the impression that all necessary documentation and information had been provided and met the requirements for visa approval as stated by the Irish Embassy in Israel,' said the group. Steven Redmond, chairperson of GAA Palestine, expressed his profound dismay stating that just seven days before these young boys and girls were meant to leave the West Bank, they are now being told that additional documentation is now required. 'We went as far as sending a volunteer to the West Bank to assist with additional documentation that was requested as part of our application,' he said. He said GAA Palestine remains committed to collaborating closely with the Department of Justice to resolve this matter swiftly. 'We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action,' he added. GAA Palestine has now called on the Irish authorities to reconsider the decision stating that the unfortunate setback 'will not deter us'. Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy is one of a number of opposition TDs who has hit out at the decision. He has called on the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to intervene to review the 'inexplicable decision'. 'We are talking about 33 children aged 9 to 16 years of age and their adult chaperones who intended to play GAA and visit a beach and Croke Park. 'It is incomprehensible that a resolution could not be found to address any issues with visa applications. I had written to both the Justice Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris, three weeks ago urging them to ensure that the visa process was concluded swiftly. Neither Minister replied to me,' he added. The department must work with GAA Palestine to make a success of this incredible opportunity for cultural exchange, he said. With original reporting by Eimer McAuley. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
