Cross-Border Dissemination of Online Content: Current and Possible Future Regulation of the Online Environment with a Focus on the Eu E-Commerce Directive

Can the rules of the European Union’s E-Commerce Directive, which date back to the year 2000, continue to be valid with regard to the dissemination of content in view of the constantly evolving online environment and the changing role of platforms as a result of new business models? The relevant legal foundations in this respect at EU and national level are complex, and their interplay is often unclear. The resulting uncertainty about who is responsible and therefore liable for certain content requires a critical review of the current legal framework. This study, conducted by the Institute of European Media Law (EMR) on behalf of the State Media Authority NRW, analyses the current legal framework and reveals ways of enforcing the applicable provisions concerning illegal content. It pays special attention to the need for reform of the E-Commerce Directive in light of the changing role of platforms.