On the need for targeted criminal provisions and platforms’ responsibility to effectively address cyberbullying and online harassment
B-10-2026-0235
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Tomas Tobé, Lena Düpont, Sunčana Glavak, Seán Kelly, Magdalena Adamowicz, Nina Carberry, Ewa Kopacz, Verena Mertens, Eleonora Meleti, Pablo Arias Echeverría, Regina Doherty, Maria Walsh
- Voted on · Adopted 0–0–0 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2026/2693
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
This resolution addresses cyberbullying and online harassment, calling for targeted criminal provisions and platform responsibility. It welcomes the Commission's 2026 action plan and urges further EU harmonisation, including minimum rules on criminal offences and sanctions.¶¶¶ It calls for effective penalties, enforcement of the Digital Services Act, support for victims, and preventive measures. It also considers non-consensual sharing of intimate images of minors a serious crime and urges action on detection.¶¶¶
Key points
- Welcomes the Commission's February 2026 action plan against cyberbullying as an important step towards a more coordinated European response.¶
- Expresses concern that cyberbullying and image-based abuse are increasing despite existing measures, suggesting current instruments may be insufficient.¶
- Calls on the Commission to assess gaps in the EU legal framework, particularly criminal law provisions, and consider harmonisation under Article 83(1) TFEU.¶¶
- Calls for an assessment of whether approximation of criminal laws is necessary for a safe digital space under Article 83(2) TFEU.¶
- Calls on Member States to provide effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for cyberbullying, considering seriousness, repetition and victim vulnerability.¶
- Invites the Commission to examine whether image- or video-based abuse should be recognised as a particularly serious crime with cross-border dimension.¶
- Encourages a comprehensive EU legislative initiative building on best practices like Ireland's 'Coco's Law'.¶
- Calls for stepped-up enforcement of the Digital Services Act and assessment of risk obligations for online gaming operators.¶¶
- Calls for building on the action plan's definition of cyberbullying in future legislation for legal clarity and equal protection.¶
- Supports coordinated national strategies with common definitions, reporting mechanisms, victim support, prevention and data collection.¶
- Considers non-consensual sharing of intimate images of minors a serious sexual abuse crime; regrets lack of legal framework for voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material and calls for swift action.¶
- Calls for strengthened preventive measures, effective remedies for victims including rapid content removal and psychological support, and EU-wide interoperable reporting tools.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- Victims of cyberbullying, particularly minors, who would gain access to effective remedies and support mechanisms.¶¶
- Online platforms and gaming operators, which face enforcement and risk assessment obligations under the Digital Services Act.¶¶
- Member States, which are called on to adopt penalties and national strategies.¶¶
- The Commission, which is tasked with assessments, legislative initiatives and enforcement.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- one in six adolescents have experienced cyberbullying¶
- one in eight acknowledge having engaged in such behaviour
Legal basis: Article 83(1) and (2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union¶