European Union: Council agrees to regulation of online terrorist content includes one-hour takedown rule

On 16 March 2021, the Council of the European Union announced that it had approved Regulation 2021/784 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online, which requires social media companies in the EU to take down online terrorist content within one hour of notification. The regulated content also includes material that provides guidance on how to make and use explosives, firearms and other weapons for terrorist purposes. If no reasons for non-compliance are given, fines of up to 4% of global turnover can apply. If the European Parliament adopts the Regulation at second reading, it will enter into force after one year.