Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission
19.5.2021
In response to the challenges posed by the rapid development of digital services, the Commission proposed the Digital Services Act (DSA)[1], which aims to clarify the responsibilities and strengthen the accountability of intermediary service providers. Under the proposed DSA, online platforms will be subject to a clear legal framework.
Whilst recognising that the freedom of contract of online platforms should be respected, the proposed DSA protects users from arbitrary content moderation.
It will oblige online platforms to be transparent and non-discriminatory in their policies, in full respect of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Charter[2]. The proposal also includes rules for very large online platforms to assess and mitigate negative effects their systems have on freedom of expression.The DSA proposal enables users to contest the platforms’ decisions to remove content, including when based on their terms and conditions.
Users will have the right to complain to the platform, choose an out-of-court dispute settlement, or seek redress before the courts.
The proposed DSA lays down one set of rules for the entire EU, protecting citizens’ rights across the Union. An EU-wide enforcement system and governance framework will ensure oversight and uniform application of the proposed regulation across the Union.
Recognising that democracy requires more determined action to preserve open democratic debate, the European Democracy Action Plan[3] announced various actions to be taken to address disinformation, developing accountability standards for online platforms in this regard, and promote respect in the public debate.