From what I remember, you're right that it doesn't strictly require an automated system, but the only way to practically do it is with an automated system. Wit

From what I remember, you're right that it doesn't strictly require an automated system, but the only way to practically do it is with an automated system. With current safe harbor provisions in the DMCA, if someone uploads copyrighted content, the host isn't liable as long as they take it down when notified. The new EU rules would make the host liable for any copyrighted content uploaded by a user, no safe harbor provisions. So you're options are automated filtering/blocking of all uploaded content, or roll the dice and hope that if a user uploads copyrighted content, that you find out before you get sued by the copyright owner.