Comparative study on blocking, filtering and take-down of illegal internet content

Across the member states of the Council of Europe, both the blocking and removal of online material are frequently treated in a similar way. However, the existence or the lack of a legislative framework specifically targeted to the internet, and the specificities of national regulatory 'models' translate in different practices and can be a challenge for the states concerned.

The Council of Europe commissioned the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law to undertake a comparative study in respect of filtering, blocking and take-down of illegal content on the internet in the 47 member states of the Organisation. This study describes and assesses the legal framework but also the relevant case-law and practice in the field. It comprises a comparative analysis – which is the subject of this publication – and country reports (available on the website: www.coe.int/freedomofexpression).

ESO: Key source: Media. Freedom of expression and information. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (Council of Europe) http://www.europeansources.info/record/freedom-of-expression/

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