To the policy brief

Summary of Policy Brief on DSA and Algorithmic Risk Governance

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a legislative initiative that aims to address the governance of online platforms in the European Union. In a policy brief by Christian Djeffal, the author explores whether the DSA is revolutionizing algorithmic risk governance. The DSA contains several provisions on risk governance and specific developments and novelties. The first step in the risk governance process is the risk assessment (Art. 34 DSA), which has to be performed every year and additionally in case new functionalities are introduced which could have critical impacts (Art. 34 sec. 1 DSA). The identified risks have to be mitigated, while taking the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the DSA. The policy brief highlights that the success of the DSA's procedural measures depends largely on their design. While many questions regarding interpretation and consistency remain, the DSA might be considered the next step in the evolution of European risk governance. The REMODE project aims to explore new ways in which users can be involved in the assessment of online risks and ultimately improve content moderation practices. The project promotes user autonomy, stimulates good governance, and encourages law and ethics by design.