Any classification of content is undertaken by reference to a definition. As far as the TCO Regulation is concerned, the definition of terrorist content is that contained in EU Directive 2017/541 as mentioned in the introduction. It defines terrorist content as textual, visual, or auditory…

“material that incites or solicits someone to commit, or to contribute to the commission of, terrorist offences, solicits someone to participate in activities of a terrorist group, or glorifies terrorist activities including by disseminating material depicting a terrorist attack. The definition should also include material that provides instruction on the making or use of explosives, firearms or other weapons or noxious or hazardous substances, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) substances, or on other specific methods or techniques, including the selection of targets, for the purpose of committing or contributing to the commission of terrorist offences.” (TCO Regulation, 11)

The definition does not include “material disseminated for educational, journalistic, artistic or research purposes or for awareness-raising purposes against terrorist activity” (TCO Regulation, 12), and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, information and science shall always be carefully taken into consideration.

“Materials disseminated for educational, journalistic, artistic or research purposes or for awareness-raising purposes against terrorist activity should not be considered to be terrorist content. […] Furthermore, the expression of radical, polemic or controversial views in the public debate on sensitive political questions should not be considered to be terrorist content.” (TCO Regulation, 12)