Who are trusted flaggers and what do they do?
Under DSA, trusted flaggers are responsible for detecting potentially illegal content and alert online platforms. They are entities designated by the national Digital Services Coordinators.
Trusted flaggers are special entities under the DSA (Art. 22). They are experts at detecting certain types of illegal content online, such as hate speech or terrorist content, and notifying it to the online platforms. The notices submitted by them must be treated with priority as they are expected to be more accurate than notices submitted by an average user. Trusted flaggers only notify providers of online platforms of content they consider to be illegal. Providers have the sole responsibility to decide upon notices and, where justified, removing content.
Awarding trusted flagger status
The Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) of the Member State in which the applicant is established awards the applicant entity the trusted flagger status. DSC oversee the application process, ensuring applicants meet the following criteria:
- Expertise and competence: trusted flaggers must demonstrate particular expertise and competence in detecting, identifying, and notifying illegal content online.
- Independence: trusted flaggers must operate independently from any online platform providers to ensure that their assessments are unbiased.
- Objectivity: trusted flaggers must work diligently, accurately, and objectively, following established standards and procedures.
Only EU-based entities can apply for trusted flagger status. This ensures that trusted flaggers operate within the regulatory framework of the EU, contributing to a harmonized approach in tackling illegal content online. The trusted flagger status is valid across the EU, vis-a-vis any online platform within the scope of Article 22 DSA, regardless of the places of establishment.
The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC), as the Digital Services Coordinator, is the competent authority for granting the status of a trusted flaggers based on Article 22 of the DSA.
Trusted flaggers designated by CRC
Link to all approved trusted flaggers in the EU here.
