Tiago Bessa is the author of the article“Content Moderation under the Digital Services Act – A Brief Introduction”, published in the book Estudo sobre Proteção de Dados, by AAFDL, in which he analyses the content moderation framework established by the Digital Services Act (DSA), applicable across the European Union since 17 February 2024.

The DSA seeks to address the challenges arising from digital transformation, with objectives that include the creation of a safer, more predictable and trustworthy digital environment, the effective protection of fundamental rights, and greater transparency, accountability and diligence by providers of intermediary services.

In the article, Tiago Bessa examines the concept of illegal content and the different content moderation measures that may be adopted by intermediary service providers, including demotion, demonetisation, disabling access to content and removing content. He also analyses the different mechanisms that may trigger moderation, including orders to act against illegal content, notice and action mechanisms and voluntary investigations.

In this context, Tiago Bessa highlights the central challenge of reconciling freedom of expression and information with the need to combat illegal content and protect other public interests. Transparency in decision-making and the safeguards available to users are particularly important in achieving this balance.

The article also considers the use of automated means in content moderation and the importance of human oversight, highlighting the practical relevance of combining automation with human control.