IMRO has welcomed Coimisiún na Meán’s decision to award the Irish Music Rights Organisation Trusted Flagger Status under the EU Digital Services Act. Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the Act.
The designation recognises IMRO’s expertise in identifying illegal online content involving music and lyrical copyright infringement. It enables IMRO to notify online platforms directly where copyright-protected music is being used unlawfully, supporting faster action and strengthening protections for music creators, publishers and rightsholders.
Trusted Flagger Status is provided for under Article 22 of the EU Digital Services Act. Under the Act, online platforms are required to give priority to notices submitted by designated Trusted Flaggers and process them without undue delay. The status is awarded to entities that can demonstrate particular expertise and competence, independence from online platforms, and a commitment to submitting notices diligently, accurately and objectively.
Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO, said:
“We welcome Coimisiún na Meán’s decision to award IMRO Trusted Flagger Status. This is a significant recognition of IMRO’s role and expertise in protecting music creators’ rights online. For our members, the digital environment offers significant opportunity, but it must also be a space where rights are respected, unlawful content
is addressed quickly and creators are fairly valued. Trusted Flagger Status provides an important statutory mechanism to support an orderly online market”
He added: “Music is one of Ireland’s most valuable cultural and creative assets. Ensuring that creators’ rights are upheld online is essential not only for songwriters, composers and publishers, but for the sustainability and viability of Ireland’s wider music ecosystem. We look forward to working constructively with Coimisiún na Meán and online platforms to ensure that illegal content is identified and addressed in a timely, fair and effective manner. We will use this designation responsibly to support a fairer online environment for music creators and rightsholders.”
The award of Trusted Flagger Status comes at a time of increased focus across Europe on platform accountability, online safety and the enforcement of rights online.