Policy & Law
The Digital Evolution – E-Commerce Directive to Digital...
When the EU passed the E-Commerce Directive (ECD) 20 years ago it built a solid ground for the years to come and it found long lasting balance between regulation and entrepreneurial freedoms. It was not perfect in the beginning and there are still questions about details nowadays. However, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has so far found ways for interpretations that made it possible for companies to flourish and for users to experience and enjoy a completely new world being created. But are there maybe also good reasons to taking a closer look at the ECD? For many, especially young people, news sources have changed – from classic newspapers and TV to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc. Disinformation is spreading online, hate speech is used online and illegal content is shared online. That is where social media companies are acting in a grey zone, moderating content by blocking or deleting it. That is where especially politicians want to see more, quicker and transparent action.