Community Short Facts - June 2022

Digital Services Act

The fight against illegal content and "hate speech" online and the protection of users are more important today than ever before. The German Digital Industry Association (BVDW) is therefore in favor of updating digital legislation as part of the Digital Services Act (DSA), but also sees the risk of significant restrictions and legal uncertainty for companies. The revision of digital legislation associated with the DSA and the adaptation of the European framework conditions to the requirements of the 21st century are urgently needed and more than overdue. However, the initial press releases from the three EU institutions involved - the Commission, Council and Parliament - differ in their respective areas of focus, meaning that a final assessment of the agreement only seems possible once the final legislative text is available. The BVDW therefore continues to see the risk that the DSA could lead to massive restrictions for companies in the digital economy and more legal uncertainty.