The media regulator now has powers to impose fines on service providers that allow terrorist content online.

Coimisiún na Meán will be able to impose penalties of up to 4% of global turnover on hosting service providers under the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.

The regulation provides for a speedy removal of terrorist content online following the issue of removal orders by An Garda Síochána.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said a number of measures are already in place.

"We have already implemented a number of the necessary measures including the designation of An Garda Síochána as the competent authority to issue removal orders to online service providers," she said.

"An Garda Síochána play a vital role in this respect and aligns with their mission of keeping people safe.

"Coimisiún na Meán will now play an equally important role in collecting fines from those providers who do not fully adhere to An Garda Síochána’s orders.

"We will see a State-wide response to tackling harmful and corrosive content online, content which can motivate people do real world-harm," she added.

Terrorist content refers to material shared online that, directly or indirectly, solicits a person or a group of persons to commit or contribute to the commission of a terrorist offences or to participate in the activities of a terrorist group.

The category includes providing instruction on the making or use of explosives, firearms or other weapons.