Germany: Law (DDG) implementing Digital Services Act in Germany designating competent authorities and digital services coordinator enters into force

On 14 May 2024, the Act on Digital Services implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act) and designating the Federal Network Agency as Germany’s Digital Services Coordinator enters into force. The Act establishes the national framework required to enforce the Digital Services Act in Germany, including the designation of competent authorities, procedural rules, and sanctioning powers. The Federal Network Agency will act as the Digital Services Coordinator, monitor compliance with the Digital Services Act, and impose administrative fines for infringements, including systematic violations. The Digital Services Coordinator will supervise providers of intermediary services, including hosting services, online platforms, and online search engines, and will oversee compliance with obligations on illegal content handling and transparency. The Digital Services Coordinator will also handle complaints, cooperate with the European Commission in supervising very large online platforms and very large online search engines, and certify trusted flaggers.