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The TCO Cluster is a collaborative initiative composed of three European projects: ALLIES, FRISCO, and TATE. These projects were established to support Hosting Service Providers (HSPs) in Europe in complying with the EU’s new Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation. This regulation requires HSPs to detect and remove terrorist content within one hour of notification, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment. By working together, these projects have developed tools, resources, and guidelines to assist HSPs in meeting these critical requirements while respecting fundamental freedoms and human rights.
TCO Regulation Explained
The TCO Regulation (EU 2021/784) was introduced to combat the misuse of online platforms for disseminating terrorist content. It requires HSPs to remove terrorist content swiftly upon notification by relevant authorities, harmonizing standards across Member States to mitigate online radicalisation and violent extremism.
The Role of the TCO Cluster
The TCO Cluster was established to streamline the implementation of the TCO Regulation among HSPs, particularly those of small and medium size that may lack the resources to comply independently. Each of the three projects within the cluster offers unique resources and tools to aid HSPs:
ALLIES provides an AI-based tool and a training platform, focusing on building knowledge and raising awareness among micro and small HSPs. | FRISCO aims to support HSPs in understanding and implementing the TCO Regulation through increased awareness, validated tools, and experience-sharing mechanisms. | TATE focuses on improving compliance among small HSPs by offering customised training, enhancing technical solutions, and establishing peer-to-peer networks. |
Duration: 1 Feb 2023 – 28 Feb 2025 | Duration: 15 Nov 2022 - 15 Nov 2024 | Duration: 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024 |
The TCO Repository: A Sustainable Resource for the Future
The TCO Cluster has created a wealth of resources, tools, and knowledge during the project lifecycle. To ensure the long-term impact of these outcomes, the European Commission will host a dedicated TCO Repository. This collection will offer:
- Guidelines and Best Practices: Documentation to guide HSPs on the requirements of the TCO Regulation.
- Training Resources: Interactive training materials designed to help HSPs understand and implement compliance measures.
- Compliance Tools: Access to AI-based tools, risk assessment frameworks, and reporting mechanisms developed by the TCO Cluster.
- Resource Library: A collection of reports, studies, and articles to provide context and support further research in countering terrorist content online.
- Publications and Deliverables: A collection of publications and deliverables created as part of the three TCO Projects.
- Project locations
- AustriaBulgariaCyprusEstoniaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsSpainUnited Kingdom