Digital services have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, influencing the way in which businesses, consumers, users and citizens interact with the world. The European Union’s Digital Services Act https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R2065 (DSA) aims to create a safer, regulated digital environment, following the principle that “what is illegal offline should also be illegal online”.
Recognising the importance of digital services to the economy and to society, as well as the risks that are associated with these services, the DSA aims to improve the conditions under which digital services are provided within the European Union (EU). By establishing strong oversight over providers of intermediary services, such as social networks, online platforms and search engines, the DSA will enhance online safety and protect fundamental rights. The Act defines and applies asymmetric obligations to different types of intermediary service providers, depending on the size of the provider and the nature of services provided. Under the DSA, all platforms operating in the EU single market, regardless of where they are actually established, are required to comply with a set of new rules defined in the DSA to prevent illegal activities and the spread of disinformation online.
In this context, ANACOM assumes a key role in the regulation of digital services. Designated by the Portuguese Government as the competent authority and Digital Services Coordinator in Portugal, ANACOM is responsible for the supervision, implementation and enforcement of this Act.
