DOT Europe > News > DOT Europe calls for the introduction of a governance body in the Digital Services Act

DOT Europe calls for the introduction of a governance body in the Digital Services Act

TODAY, DOT Europe (formerly EDiMA), the voice of the leading internet companies, has said that to tackle illegal activity online, a governance body is not just advisable but necessary.

Siada El Ramly, Director General, said:

“Our members take their responsibilities seriously and are determined to do more to tackle illegal activity and content online. To ensure there is trust, there must be oversight. Today we’re calling for the introduction of a governance body in the Digital Services Act which will monitor, oversee and advise on measures taken by online companies to root out illegal activity and content”.

In the latest paper in its landmark Online Responsibility Framework Series, the association of 19 leading internet companies has said that a system of accountability is required to ensure that illegal activity and content is effectively tackled by all involved and cannot be exclusively the responsibility of service providers.

Earlier papers in the series called for the introduction of a new legal safeguard to allow service providers to introduce proactive measures to tackle illegal content online. This governance body would serve to ensure that this safeguard is correctly used and not abused.

DOT Europe’s members have taken extensive action to address illegal activity on their services. However, illegal activity still exists online and often migrates to services which are not making the same efforts. An effective governance body is needed to limit the migration of illegal activity.

Siada El Ramly, Director General, said:

“The challenge of tackling illegal activity online is that it requires cooperation and coordination from every actor involved. There is a shared responsibility, and everyone must play their part. With an effective governance body, everyone, including internet companies, rightsholders, users and law enforcement, can be held responsible for their action or inaction.”

The paper states that the structure of the governance body that should be introduced is ultimately a matter for policymakers but outlines three potential models along with the potential advantages and disadvantages of each. The three potential models noted are:

    • A new independent EU-level body;
    • The empowerment of national bodies overseeing service providers established in their Member State for activity across the EU, with coordination under the country of origin principle;
    • The empowerment of national governance bodies within their own Member State with additional EU-level coordination, similar to that which exists for Broadcasting and Audiovisual media (BEREC or ERGA).

ENDS

Press contacts:
Ronan Breen, Account Director, Red Flag
+32471753053
ronan.breen@thisisredflag.com

For more information from DOT Europe contact:
+32 2 626 1990
info@doteurope.eu

Notes to editor: 

    • The paper can be accessed here: https://doteurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ORF-Series-Introduction-of-Governance-Body-DOT-Europe.pdf 
    • DOT Europe (previously called EDiMA) is the voice of the leading internet companies in Europe. DOT Europe’s mission is to develop ideas and support policy initiatives that foster an innovative, open and safe internet for Europe’s citizens and businesses. More information is available here: https://doteurope.eu
    • DOT Europe represents 19 of the leading internet companies. Its members produce and manage a variety of products, services and applications including browsers, entertainment platforms, social networks, marketplaces and review sites.
    • DOT Europe’s members include: Airbnb, Allegro, Amazon, Apple, eBay, Etsy, Expedia, Facebook, Google, King, Microsoft, Mozilla, OLX, Snap, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter, Verizon Media, Yelp. More information is available here: https://doteurope.eu/members
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