Digital Services Coordinator

The Digital Services Coordinator is the national authority that each EU country must designate to supervise the Digital Services Act. The coordinator serves as the primary contact point for DSA enforcement in the country and has powers to investigate, impose and sanction infringements.

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The coordinator's role

Each EU country must designate one authority as Digital Services Coordinator. The coordinator is responsible for supervising the intermediary services established in the country and serves as a contact point for authorities in other EU countries.

The coordinator must be independent and act impartially. The DSA requires sufficient resources, technical expertise and financial independence. The role is similar to that of the Data Protection Authority under GDPR, but focused on digital services' obligations regarding content moderation, transparency and user rights.

Investigation and enforcement powers

The DSA grants the coordinator extensive powers including the ability to require information from services, conduct inspections, issue orders to cease infringements, accept commitments, impose interim measures, and impose fines up to 6% of global annual turnover. Periodic penalty payments may amount to up to 5% of average daily turnover.

Cooperation at EU level

Coordinators cooperate through the European Board for Digital Services. The European Commission has direct supervision of very large online platforms and search engines. Coordinators may assist the Commission and conduct investigations on its behalf.

Complaint access for citizens

As a user, you may complain to the coordinator in the country where you live. You can complain about any intermediary service you believe is breaching the DSA. The coordinator is also responsible for designating trusted flaggers and certifying dispute resolution bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Services Coordinator

What is a Digital Services Coordinator?

A Digital Services Coordinator is the national authority each EU country must designate to supervise compliance with the Digital Services Act. The coordinator has powers to investigate, enforce and sanction infringements.

Who is the Digital Services Coordinator in Denmark?

In Denmark, the Digitaliseringsstyrelsen serves as the Digital Services Coordinator. The agency cooperates with other relevant authorities such as Datatilsynet and Forbrugerombudsmanden.

What powers does the coordinator have?

The coordinator can require information from services, conduct investigations, issue orders to cease infringements, impose fines and, in serious cases, request temporary restriction of access to a service.

Can you complain to the coordinator as a citizen?

Yes. Users can file complaints with the coordinator in the country where they live about any intermediary service suspected of breaching the DSA. The coordinator assesses the complaint and may initiate an investigation.