Guidelines for reporting illegal content, products, and activities
Article 53 of the DSA does not cover the review of suspected illegal content (including products and activities). Nevertheless, it is important to handle this issue and there are dedicated channels for this purpose.
- Using the provider's notification mechanism
It is recommended that you immediately report any illegal content you identify to the intermediary service provider.
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Illegal content at EU level can be, for example, child sexual abuse material, hate speech, dangerous or counterfeit products, use of personal images (photos, videos) without consent, use of copyrighted material without permission. What constitutes illegal content is defined in the EU/national legal framework. In case the content is considered illegal in only one Member State, it will in principle be removed only in that territory. |
You also have the right to report to the provider content that violates its general terms and conditions/rules of use of the intermediary service.
Why this is important: The DSA requires all providers to offer easily applicable and accessible reporting procedures. They must review your report and, if necessary, remove or block any illegal content. The provider must notify you if your own content has been removed.
After you report illegal content, the provider must send you, without undue delay, an acknowledgement of receipt of your report. Based on the above information, it must make a decision promptly, thoroughly and objectively on the content that is allegedly illegal.
The provider must provide you with the opportunity to report illegal content through an easy-to-use “notice and action mechanism” in accordance with Art. 16 of the DSA. Look for options such as “Report”, “Flag” or “Help” and follow the instructions to report.
The mechanism should facilitate the collection of the following information, on the basis of which the provider will make a decision to remove content or disable access to it:
- The reasons why you consider the content to be illegal.
- The location (e.g. URL), where you found the specific content.
- Your name and email address. This information is not required when the content includes child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- A statement that the content of your report is accurate and complete.
He must also inform you, without undue delay, of:
- the decision he has taken on your complaint, without undue delay;
- the possibilities for appealing the decision.
- Reporting to national authorities who may take action
In cases of serious illegal content, especially those that may require public enforcement, such as complaints related to violence/abuse against/with children or incitement, you should report it to the relevant national authorities.
Key contacts for users in Bulgaria:
Violence against children: If the content involves child abuse, use the Bulgarian portal for reports on children on the Internetor contact the police on 112 to report the abuse.
Cybercrime: For other forms of illegal online activity, such as cybercrime, contact the Cybercrime Directorate of the Organised Crime General Directorate, Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior to report the abuse.
Consumer protection and product safety: For issues related to consumer protection and product safety, contact the Commission for Consumer Protection.
Video platforms and audio services: For questions related to media services and video-sharing platform services, please contact the Council for Electronic Media, which regulates in the cases and according to the procedure provided for in the Radio and Television Act.
Personal data protection: For questions related to personal data protection, please contact the Commission for Personal Data Protection .
Remember that timely reporting of illegal content contributes to a safer online environment for everyone. By directing your reporting through the appropriate channels, you play an important role in these efforts.
