DOT Europe, which used to be called the European Digital Media Association (EDiMA) and which calls itself “the voice of the leading internet companies”, has said that to tackle illegal activity online, a governance body is not just advisable but necessary. In essence, the organisation is calling for the introduction of a governance body in the DSA, which will monitor, oversee and advise on measures taken by online companies to root out illegal activity and content.

In the latest paper in its Online Responsibility Framework Series, the association of 19 leading internet companies has said that a system of accountability is required to ensure that illegal activity and content is effectively tackled by all involved, and cannot be exclusively the responsibility of service providers.

Earlier papers in the series called for the introduction of a new legal safeguard to allow service providers to introduce proactive measures to tackle illegal content online. This governance body would serve to ensure that this safeguard is correctly used and not abused.

DOT Europe says that its members have “taken extensive action to address illegal activity on their services”. However, illegal activity still exists online and often migrates to services which are not making the same efforts. An effective governance body is needed to limit the migration of illegal activity, it says.

Siada El Ramly, Director General, said: “The challenge of tackling illegal activity online is that it requires cooperation and coordination from every actor involved. There is a shared responsibility, and everyone must play their part. With an effective governance body, everyone, including internet companies, rightsholders, users and law enforcement, can be held responsible for their action or inaction.”

The paper states that the structure of any governance body is ultimately a matter for policymakers, it but outlines three potential models along with the potential advantages and disadvantages of each:

1. a new independent EU-level body;
2. the empowerment of national bodies overseeing service providers established in their Member State for activity across the EU, with coordination under the country of origin principle; and

• the empowerment of national governance bodies within their own Member State with additional EU-level coordination, similar to that which exists for Broadcasting and Audiovisual media (BEREC or ERGA).

To read DOT Europe’s press release in full and for a link to the paper, click here.