Online safety

The EU and its countries are committed to ensuring that the internet is a safe and secure environment.

EU rules combat illegal content, safeguard digital rights for all users, enhance cybersecurity and prevent online child sexual abuse.

A laptop, a woman on a smartphone, and a child on a tablet.

A safer and more transparent internet

The EU's digital services act (DSA) requires online platforms such as social media, e-commerce sites and search engines to remove harmful content, including fake news and illegal products. It is the first law to hold digital companies accountable for their content with the goal of fostering a safer, more transparent, and competitive online space for users and businesses.

Removing illegal content

Making e-commerce safer

Increasing transparency

Protection of data in the digital age

The EU has the strongest data protection rules in the world and considers the protection of personal data a fundamental right.

The general data protection regulation

Under the GDPR, individuals have more control over their personal data and businesses benefit from a level playing field.

Data protection in law enforcement

The EU safeguards personal data used by law enforcement bodies in relation to criminal cases.

Use of personal data by digital labour markets

Digital labour platforms are not allowed to process sensitive personal data, including emotional state, private conversations and biometric data.

The EU's response to cyber threats

EU response to cybersecurity challenges

The EU is working on various fronts to promote cyber resilience, fight cybercrime, and boost cyber diplomacy and defence.

Cyber threats in the EU: facts and figures

Ransomware, which locks the computer or files on it and demands money to unlock them, and DDoS attacks, which overwhelm websites with fake traffic, are major cyber threats.