The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the most significant update of Europe’s digital rules in over two decades. The European Commission sees the DSA as being a core plank of making Europe fit for the Digital Age. But what does this mean in practice, and does the DSA fit the bill?

According to the Commission, the new rules are proportionate, foster innovation, growth and competitiveness, and facilitate the scaling up of smaller platforms, SMEs and start-ups. The responsibilities of users, platforms, and public authorities are rebalanced according to European values, placing citizens at the centre.

The Digital Services Act includes rules for online intermediary services, which millions of Europeans use every day. The obligations of different online players match their role, size and impact in the online ecosystem.

The EU institutions are now entering the final phase of negotiations following an intense legislative process in the European Parliament which saw a number of new amendments proposed. These amendments covered a wide range of issues that will have significant implications for how we use and interact with online services for years to come.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Debate to find out about the DSA and its impact on Europe’s digital economy. Discussed questions included:

- What will change for users of online services?
- Will online marketplaces continue to function effectively with the proposed KYBC and product requirements?
- How will ‘user redress’ work?
- What effect will content moderation requirements have on user content?
- Can the data protection and data access requirements operate in parallel?
- What will digital advertising look like?