Croatia's CNZD becomes first Trusted Flagger for illegal online content

The Croatian regulator for network activities, HAKOM, has granted the Osijek‑based Center for Missing and Abused Children (CNZD) the status of Trusted Flagger, the first such designation in Croatia. The status authorises CNZD to report illegal online material, covering violence, gender‑based abuse, hate speech, child protection, fraud and human‑trafficking content.

Under the European Digital Services Act, Trusted Flaggers must possess specialised expertise and operate independently of platforms, while platforms are required to handle their notifications promptly and without undue delay. Platforms are not obliged to remove content automatically but must assess reports as a priority.

CNZD President Tomislav Ramljak welcomed the decision, calling it “an exceptional step forward for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable groups in the digital space.” He noted that the centre has long built a system combining victim support, education and technical‑legal reporting mechanisms, and that the HAKOM ruling provides a legal lever to prevent platforms from ignoring or postponing the removal of harmful illegal content.