European values are at the heart of both proposals. The new rules will better protect consumers and their fundamental rights online, and will lead to fairer and more open digital markets for everyone.
A modern rulebook across the single market will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness and will provide users with new, better and reliable online services.
It will also support the scaling up of smaller platforms, small and medium-sized enterprises, and start-ups, providing them with easy access to customers across the whole single market, while lowering compliance costs.
Furthermore, the new rules will prohibit unfair conditions imposed by online platforms that have become, or are expected to become, gatekeepers to the single market.
The two proposals are at the core of the Commission's ambition to make this 'Europe's Digital Decade'.
Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said: “Many online platforms have come to play a central role in the lives of our citizens and businesses, and even our society and democracy at large. With today's proposals, we are organising our digital space for the next decades. With harmonised rules, ex ante obligations, better oversight, speedy enforcement, and deterrent sanctions, we will ensure that anyone offering and using digital services in Europe benefits from security, trust, innovation and business opportunities.”
More information
Full press release: Europe fit for the Digital Age: Commission proposes new rules for digital platforms
Questions and Answers on the Digital Services Act
Questions and Answers on the Digital Markets Act
Facts page: The Digital Services Act
Facts page: The Digital Markets Act
Results of the public consultation on the Digital Services Act
Results of the public consultation on a New Competition Tool
Website on antitrust procedures
European Democracy Action Plan
Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen
Brochure - How do online platforms shape our lives and businesses?
Details
- Publication date
- 15 December 2020
- Author
- Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs