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The Digital Services Act

The Digital Services Act (‘DSA’)1 is a cornerstone of the EU's digital strategy, aiming to create a safer and more accountable online environment. It introduces comprehensive rules for providers of intermediary services, such as social media platforms and online marketplaces, demanding greater transparency and responsibility in handling illegal content. By enforcing these regulations, the DSA aims to protect users and their rights online, ensuring digital spaces across the European Union operate under a uniform framework.

In its capacity as the designated Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) for Malta, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) enforces this regulation in Malta.

Under the DSA, providers of intermediary services (hereafter ‘providers’) are entities that offer network infrastructure, hosting services, and online platforms, facilitating user access to goods, services, or content. These providers are not liable for the information transmitted or stored, provided they are unaware of its illegal nature, or on becoming aware of its illegal nature, act expeditiously to remove or disable access. The DSA refines this principle by setting clear obligations and standards for these providers to ensure a safer online environment, balancing the need for open digital spaces with the protection of users online.

The DSA applies to all intermediary services that connect users (consumers or businesses) to goods, services, or content, including:

  • Online marketplaces
  • Social networks
  • Content-sharing platforms
  • Hosting providers

Any provider serving the EU, regardless of its establishment location, falls within the scope of the DSA.

The DSA does not hold providers liable for content hosted or transmitted through their services. This means that while providers are generally not responsible for monitoring the information they transmit or store, their exemption from liability is contingent upon their adherence to specific due diligence obligations outlined by the DSA. This framework fosters the balance between a safe and open space for users, and a business environment that is dynamic and conducive to innovation.

The DSA does not determine what constitutes illegal content. Rather, it focuses on how providers should manage content on their platforms. The DSA sets obligations that providers must follow when handling illegal content notifications and orders from public authorities, ensuring a cohesive approach to content management and user safety.

The MCA’s responsibilities as Malta’s DSC include ensuring that providers established in Malta comply with their obligations under the DSA, conducting supervisory activities, and handling complaints related to the DSA. The MCA acts as a central point of contact for both providers and users, facilitating a balanced and effective approach to digital service regulation. In addition, the MCA participates in the Digital Services Board led by the European Commission, which Board is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Digital Services Act throughout the EU.

Under the DSA, providers of hosting services including platforms are required to have in place mechanisms that enable you to report illegal content (Article 16 of the DSA). This ensures that all hosting providers offer a clear and accessible way for users to report content they believe to be illegal or that breaches the provider’s own terms or guidelines.

Upon submitting a report, you are entitled to receive timely updates about the progress and outcome of your report. This transparency is a key provision of the DSA, aimed at keeping users informed and involved in the content moderation process. If the provider’s decision regarding your complaint about the alleged illegal content does not align with your expectations or if you believe it was inadequately addressed, you have the right to seek remedial action. This could involve escalating your complaint within the provider or pursuing external dispute resolution mechanisms.

 

Right to Lodge a Complaint under Article 53 of the DSA

If you believe that a provider has breached a provision of the DSA, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the MCA as Malta’s designated DSC.

This form should be used to report instances of non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (hereafter ‘DSA’) by a provider.

Register as a Provider of Intermediary Services (Hosting)

Pursuant to article 8 of the Digital Services (Designation and Enforcement) Order, 2024 all hosting providers are required to register with the MCA. Such registration empowers the MCA to execute its regulatory oversight functions effectively.

Intermediary Service Providers that operate as platforms, facilitating both hosting and dissemination of content (excluding small and micro enterprises), will have their details shared with Agora. Agora is the IT system managed by the European Commission, that will assist in the processing of Statements of Reasons as stipulated under Articles 17 and 24(5) of the DSA.

Express Interest to Act as a Trusted Flagger under Article 22 of the DSA

Entities interested in becoming Trusted Flaggers with expertise in identifying illegal content, are encouraged to contact the MCA. Trusted Flaggers are recognised entities with expertise and a track record in identifying illegal content online. These are given priority in the content review process by platforms to ensure swift action on potentially harmful or illegal online material. For details on the application process and eligibility criteria, please communicate with the MCA.

Become Certified as an Out-of-Court (OOC) Dispute Resolution Provider under Article 21 of the DSA

Entities interested in becoming certified as Out-of-Court (OOC) dispute resolution providers under Article 21 of the DSA should contact the MCA directly. The certification process includes meeting specific criteria related to dispute resolution capabilities, expertise in digital services, and compliance with DSA.

Become a ‘Vetted Researcher’ under Article 40(8) of the DSA

Article 40 of the EU’s Digital Services Act empowers vetted researchers with access to data from Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs). This provision is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the digital ecosystem by enabling independent scrutiny of systemic risks and assessment of mitigation measures. A delegated act outlining the rules granting access to data for qualified researchers under the Digital Services Act (DSA) was adopted by the Commission in July 2025. 

Eligibility

To apply for the status of vetted researcher under Article 40, you must submit a reasoned request that includes clear research objectives, and:

  1. Demonstrate that you are affiliated to a recognised research organisation.
  2. Demonstrate that you are independent from commercial interests related to the specific project.
  3. Disclose the funding of the research.
  4. Ensure secure handling of the information in compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and demonstrate the ability to securely manage personal and sensitive data.
  5. Demonstrate that your access to the data and the timeframes requested are necessary for, and proportionate to, the purposes of your research.
  6. That the research will contribute to the detection, identification, and understanding of systemic risks in the EU, as defined in Article 34 of the DSA.
  7. Commit to making your research results publicly available free of charge, within a reasonable period after the completion of the research.

Apply for vetted researcher status

Applications and supporting documentation will be submitted in the English language through the dedicated DSA Data Access Portal. See FAQs on how to register and submit an application. 

Interested researchers are invited to contact the MCA on digitalservices@mca.org.mt.

Certified Out-of-court Dispute Settlement Bodies

Name of entity
Date certified
Duration
RGOAL Limited trading as Adroit
10 July 2024
5 Years

 

Trusted Flaggers Status Awards

Name of entity
Date of status award
Area of expertise 
Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS)
25 February 2025
Protection of minors violations and CSAM

 

Resources and Further Reading

Contact Information

For more information or assistance, please contact the MCA on digitalservices@mca.org.mt. 

1The Digital Services Act is the short title of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC.  

Closing On: Tuesday 1st January 2030

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