Italy: Adopted AGCOM regulation to combat harmful content on video-sharing platforms (Resolution no. 76/23/CONS)

On 7 December 2023, the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) adopted a regulation to combat harmful content on video-sharing platforms (Resolution no. 76/23/CONS). The regulation aims to establish a procedure by which the AGCOM can restrict the dissemination of content intended for the Italian public. In particular, AGCOM will inform the competent authority of the country in which the platform is established if the content is considered harmful to the physical, psychological, or moral development of minors, if it incites racial, sexual, religious, or ethnic hatred, or if it does not provide adequate protection for consumers. The competent authority will have 7 days to intervene. If the State does not take action or the measures taken seem inadequate, AGCOM can refer the order directly to the platform. In urgent cases where there is a risk of serious, immediate, and irreparable harm to the rights of users, AGCOM will issue an order to the platform, which must comply within 3 days. The regulation will be implemented on 8 January 2024.