The European Union is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its core platform regulation, the e-Commerce Directive. In 2020, the European Commission, the EU’s executive, pledged to reshape Europe’s digital future and to propose an entire package of new rules, currently called the Digital Services Act (DSA). The package is supposed to address the legal responsibilities of platforms regarding user content and include measures to keep users safe online. The DSA offers an unparalleled opportunity to reinvigorate principles like transparency, openness, and informational self-determination and formulate a bold, evidence-based vision to address some of today’s most pressing challenges.

As we have been introducing the principles that will guide our policy work, our message to the EU has been clear: Preserve what works. Fix what is broken. And put users back in control.

European Union circle of stars with gear icon in the center

Empowering Users and Innovators:
Interoperability

European Union circle of stars with icon of person with heart in the center

Put Users First:
User Controls

European Union circle of stars with scales of justice icon in the center

Fix What is Broken:
Procedural Justice

Cover of DSA Policy Principles
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Protect digital privacy and free expression. EFF's public interest legal work, activism, and software development preserve fundamental rights.
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