Since the Electronic Commerce Directive was adopted in 2000, the digital space has significantly evolved with the emergence of social media platforms, OTT and sharing-economy players as well as with the convergence of media consumption, and the explosion of user-generated content. Concerns about developments in the digital economy, including the rapid proliferation of online hate speech and disinformation, have spurred calls for a revision of the current rules, where it is argued self-regulation is not having the necessary impact. In this context the European Commission is expected to launch a review of the existing E-Commerce Directive through a proposed Digital Services Act, which would “upgrade our liability and safety rules for digital platforms, services and products, and complete our Digital Single Market"

This Forum Europe conference will discuss the objectives and potential provisions of any proposed Digital Services Act, addressing issues relating to liability, content moderation and regulatory oversight of intermediary service providers. It will assess what is required to create conditions that foster fair competition for digital platforms and the media sector to thrive, and to safeguard an open and safe online space, ensuring the Internet continues to be a key driver for innovation, economic growth, democratic discourse and social progress.