Cullen International has just published a new benchmark with an overview of the countries which have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) legislation to fight against the dissemination of illegal content on social media/ online platforms. 

In countries which have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) initiatives, the benchmark shows the type of illegal content covered and the type of platforms targeted (i.e. social media, search engines, etc.), the main obligations imposed on them, the sanctions foreseen in case of non-compliance and the special powers granted to the authority in charge of supervision (e.g. fines and blocking orders). 

The research shows that four countries out of the 14 surveyed have rules in place (France, Germany), or are in the process of adopting rules (Ireland, UK) to fight against the dissemination of illegal content on platforms. In France and Germany, the rules cover certain types of illegal content as defined under the criminal code (and the legislation on the freedom of the press in France), whereas in the UK and in Ireland, the proposed legislation has a much wider scope as it covers many types of illegal and harmful content (such as pornography or content that can lead to eating disorders).

There is no general initiative to address illegal content in the other countries. In Italy, targeted initiatives exist to fight specific types of illegal content, such as cyberbullying and revenge porn. In Belgium (Wallonia), the regulator published an orientation note which underlines the impact of illicit content on online platforms and the inadequacy of the current regulation.

To access the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our European Media service.