Notice of Application for Trusted Flagger Status

The MCA hereby notifies the public that it has received an application for the designation as a Trusted Flagger pursuant to Article 22 of the Digital Services Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/2065) (hereinafter the ‘DSA’). 

The DSA establishes a harmonised framework for the regulation of digital services within the EU. In its capacity as the Digital Service Coordinator (hereinafter ‘DSC’) for Malta, the MCA is responsible for matters relating to the application and enforcement of the DSA in Malta, including the assessment of applications and the award of Trusted Flagger status in accordance with Article 22 of the DSA. 

The applicant is the Victim Support Agency (hereinafter the ‘VSA’), a public agency established under the Victim Support Agency (Establishment) Order as per Subsidiary Legislation 595.37 of the Laws of Malta, which agency acts as the national contact point for victims of crime. In its application, the VSA expresses its interest in being designated as a Trusted Flagger in relation to online hate speech, noting that it regularly supports victims affected by hate speech, harassment and online abuse. The VSA states that, through its operational work, it has developed expertise in identifying manifestations of online hate speech and related harms, and in supporting victims through reporting and engagement with relevant authorities and online service providers. 

In line with Article 22 of the DSA and for the purposes of transparency, this notice shall also serve as a public consultation. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit any relevant information or comments which the MCA may consider in its assessment of the application and in its decision to award a Trusted Flagger status. 

Submissions shall be made in writing to digitalservices@mca.org.mt and respondents are to ensure that any such submissions are received by the MCA by not later than close of business of the 17th June 2026. All input received will be treated in accordance with applicable law.

Closing On: Wednesday 17th June 2026