Nicosia, Cyprus. The radiotelevision and digital services authority on Thursday announced it is accepting applications from entities and organisations wishing to act as “trusted flaggers” of illegal online content.
Role under the EU Digital Services Act
“Trusted flaggers” are an element of the European Union’s Digital Services Act, first rolled out in 2022. The European Commission has said trusted flaggers are responsible for detecting potentially illegal content and alerting online platforms.
The commission said trusted flaggers must be experts at detecting certain types of illegal content online, such as hate speech or terrorist content, and that their role upon identifying such content is to report it to the online platform.
Priority handling and platform decisions
According to the commission, notices submitted by trusted flaggers must be treated with priority because they are expected to be more accurate than notices submitted by other parties.
It added that providers have the sole responsibility to decide upon notices and, where justified, remove content.
Criteria for awarding trusted flagger status
The commission said national authorities must take into account three main criteria when awarding trusted flagger status.
The first is expertise and competence in detecting, identifying, and notifying illegal content online. The second is independence, with trusted flaggers required to operate independently from any online platform providers to ensure assessments are unbiased. The third is diligence, accuracy, and objectivity, with trusted flaggers expected to follow established standards and procedures.
Reporting obligations
The commission said trusted flaggers must publish annual reports that are easily understandable and detailed, including information on notices submitted, the types of illegal content reported, and actions taken by online platforms.
How to apply in Cyprus
Applicants in Cyprus were encouraged to complete an application form available on the radiotelevision and digital services authority’s website and email it to [email protected].
Will you apply for “trusted flagger” status or follow how the programme is implemented in Cyprus?
