European Union: European Commission announced EU Online Crisis Response Framework

On 26 February 2026, the European Commission announced that the existing voluntary EU Crisis Protocol will be revised into an EU Online Crisis Response Framework and integrated under the Digital Services Act (DSA), in the Communication “ProtectEU: Agenda to prevent and counter terrorism” (COM(2026) 101). The EU Crisis Protocol currently provides a voluntary framework for cooperation between law enforcement authorities and online service providers following a terrorist attack with significant online impact. The revised Framework will allow Member States to activate coordinated measures where an incident leads to heightened online activity related to an attack, drawing on the DSA’s crisis provisions. Europol will facilitate operational coordination through a technical platform for information exchange. The Commission will develop guidance for law enforcement authorities and online service providers on the handling of bystander footage of terrorist attacks. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services is preparing practical advice to support Digital Services Coordinators in monitoring compliance with DSA obligations, including the requirement for hosting service providers to inform competent authorities where they become aware of information indicating a possible criminal offence involving a threat to life or safety.