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EU Online Safety Hub
The EU's Digital Safety Act (DSA) introduced a single set of EU rules regulating compliance obligations for providers of online intermediary services to create a safer and more transparent digital space. The DSA imposes extensive legal duties on a wide range of internet services, backed by tough fines of up to 6% of global turnover. Laws in individual EU Member States may also enable private enforcement of the DSA, including civil claims for cease-and-desist orders, orders for content removal, or damages.
In recent years, a global push to regulate the safety of online services has begun to crystalize. In 2024, the UK's Online Safety Act came into force alongside the DSA, signalling a significant shift in how digital intermediaries are regulated across Europe. US state and federal regulators are also focusing on children’s safety.
We are supporting clients with the DSA. With our network of specialists in the US, Europe and Asia we are also helping clients understand how the EU's DSA compares with similar laws being enacted or considered in other countries, and in formulating global strategies.
Use our toolkit to find out more about the DSA and how it impacts your business:
Overview of the DSA
The DSA introduced EU-wide rules for providers of online intermediary services to create a safer and more transparent digital space. Find out more.
DSA Enforcement - key points
Learn who can enforce the DSA, the powers of regulators and potential penalties, enforcement priorities and early actions, and the private actions further shaping the enforcement landscape. Find out more.
Is your business in scope of the DSA?
Explore the scope of the DSA and whether your business is subject to it. Find out more.
How the UK's OSA compares with the EU's DSA
The UK’s OSA and the EU’s DSA share a common objective — to ensure a safer online environment. However, there are important distinctions. Find out more.
How new regulations around the world are changing digital operations
Over the past year, a global push to regulate the safety, accountability, and transparency of online services have begun to crystalize. Find out more.
Our latest blogs about online safety
Read our latest Freshfields TQ blogs on online safety.
Our team
Dr. Lutz Riede
Partner
Vienna, Düsseldorf
Dr. Theresa Ehlen
Partner
Düsseldorf, Frankfurt
Laura Knoke
Partner
Hamburg, Berlin
Dr. Christina Möllnitz-Dimick
Associate
Munich
Dr. Felix Müller-Eising
Associate
Frankfurt
Dr. Florentine Schulte-Rudzio
Associate
Düsseldorf
Dr. Verena Kirchmair
Associate
Vienna
Rachael Annear
Partner
London
Janet Kim
Partner
Washington, DC
Tristan Lockwood
Senior Associate
London