Under pressure: The DSA as source of transatlantic tensions
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI), and the DSA Observatory, with support from the Network of Centres (NoC), invites you to a new Learning Call Series on the impact of the Digital Services Act (DSA) on the future of global tech policy: Is the DSA a global censorship law or the necessary basis for rights-based content moderation? The event is part of a broader Learning Call Series addressing current topics related to the DSA. It will take place online and in English. This Learning Call is part of the DSA Research Network, funded by Stiftung Mercator.
Under pressure: The DSA as source of transatlantic tensions
Effects on digital human rights defenders and experts
Learning Call
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 • 3.00–4.00 p.m. (CET)
Online (via Zoom)
In this session, we explore the transatlantic tensions surrounding the EU’s Digital Services Act and examine their political implications for the DSA’s future implementation, diplomatic relations, and the work of DSA experts and human rights defenders.
The EU’s platform regulation framework, particularly the DSA, has faced scrutiny from the United States government since its entry into force, with tensions becoming more pronounced over the past two years. Both the US President and members of Congress have criticised the DSA as an attempt to regulate US-based companies. In December 2025, the US introduced entry restrictions affecting individuals associated with the DSA’s development or enforcement, including trusted flaggers and EU officials involved in the legislative process. These developments raise important questions as to their impact on transatlantic relations. In this Learning Call, experts will discuss how the EU should respond to this external pressure.
Speakers
Josephine Ballon is advocating to improve the legal framework and access to justice for those affected by online violence who are left largely unprotected against violations of their rights. After studying law and completing her legal clerkship, Josephine Ballon was admitted as a lawyer in 2018, working in the field of consumer rights and legal tech. In November 2019, she joined HateAid as Head of Legal. Since September 2023, she has been leading the organisation together with Anna-Lena von Hodenberg as CEO. Since July 2024, she has been a member of the advisory board of the Digital Services Coordinator in Germany.
Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Kettemann is Head of Research for the New Technologies and the Future of Law research focus at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). He teaches law and innovation at the University of Innsbruck and leads a research area on platform governance at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut, Hamburg.
About the Learning Call Series
In the Learning Call Series “A Global Censorship Law or Rights-Based Content Moderation?”, we explore the impact of the Digital Services Act (DSA) on the future of global tech policy. Across a set of focused sessions, experts examine whether restrictive regulatory models or rights-based approaches to platform governance are more likely to shape content moderation worldwide.
About the Network of Centers (NoC)
The NoC is a collaborative initiative among academic institutions with a focus on interdisciplinary research on the development, social impact, policy implications, and legal issues concerning the Internet. This collective aims to increase interoperability between participating centers in order to stimulate the creation of new cross-national, cross-disciplinary conversation, debate, teaching, learning, and engagement regarding the most pressing questions around new technologies, social change, and related policy and regulatory developments.
About the DSA Research Network
The DSA Research Network aims to establish a unique space for communication and collaboration on the implementation of the Digital Services Act, with a strong focus on making early recommendations on potential areas for reform. Following a network-based approach, the project sets out to add value to already existing initiatives that have been formed to accompany the process of implementation. By providing a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue between academics, practitioners, NGOs, and regulators, we facilitate the creation of actionable knowledge and foster a culture of collaboration.
Participation
To participate in this event, please register using the form below. You will receive the login details on the day of the event. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to Sarah Spitz (sarah.spitz@hiig.de).
Partners
The DSA Research Network is a collaboration between the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute, and the DSA Observatory, University of Amsterdam. It is funded by the Stiftung Mercator.
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