The DSA HR Alliance
The European Union’s regulations and policy-making decisions on technology and the internet have unique influence across the globe. But with great influence comes great responsibility. A step in the wrong direction could reverberate around the world, affecting fundamental rights beyond European Union borders. The Digital Services Act (DSA) Human Rights (HR) Alliance is a group of digital and human rights advocacy organizations representing diverse communities across the globe. The DSA HR Alliance Alliance came together around the central tenet that the Digital Services Act must adopt a human rights based approach to platform governance and that EU policy makers should consider the global impacts of legislation. Many members of the alliance know firsthand why this is necessary. Especially grassroots organizations operating in the Global Majority and civil rights groups fighting for the protections of historically oppressed and vulnerable groups find themselves on the receiving end of badly designed legislation. The impacts of internet rules are rarely contained by borders and that is particularly true when that legislation comes from influential bodies like the European Union.
The DSA HR Alliance believes that by focusing on the protection of fundamental rights globally, the DSA is an opportunity for the EU to provide a positive global example in lawmaking. While some elements of the DSA can strengthen fundamental rights and empower civil society and researchers to advocate for proportionate platform accountability models, certain provisions are clouded in ambiguity and carry the potential for abuse or politicized enforcement.
Draft Principles for Embedding Global Considerations into Human-Rights-Centred DSA Enforcement
To this end, the DSA HR Alliance has been working on the “Viennese Principles for Embedding Global Considerations into Human-Rights-Centred DSA enforcement.” These principles are grounded in the belief that recognizing these dynamics is essential for fostering a positive enforcement of the DSA - one that mitigates societal risks and places public interest above all. The Principles offer global perspectives and recommendations for a human-rights-focused DSA enforcement, including the following:
- Integrate Global Perspectives in DSA Enforcement and Respect International Human Rights Standards,
- Consider Extraterritorial Effects on DSA Enforcement,
- Promote Cross-Regional Collaboration on Global Regulatory Issues,
- Establish Institutionalized Dialogue Between EU and Non-EU Stakeholders,
- Uphold the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in DSA Enforcement, Free From Political Influence,
- Empower Users and Human Rights Groups in DSA Enforcement,
- Consider Global Experiences with Trusted Flaggers and Avoid Enforcement Abuse,
- Ensure Data Access Under the DSA to EU and non-EU CSOs.
The Principles are intended to guide regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in enforcing platform accountability frameworks responsibly. They also champion meaningful stakeholder engagement, with civil society organizations serving as expert human rights watchdogs.
