As of February this year, Decreet-law nº. 20-B/2024 has been in force, adapting Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 on the single market for digital services to Portuguese law.

The primary goal of this regulation is to foster a safer and more efficient digital market. By setting clear rules for online intermediary platforms and services, it ensures a higher level of consumer protection within the European Union. Simultaneously, it promotes the free movement of digital services between Member States, benefiting businesses operating in this sector.

In practical terms, the new rules establish the conditions for intermediary service providers to be exempt from liability for third-party content, define specific obligations for certain categories of intermediary service providers, such as online platforms, and regulate cooperation and coordination between the competent authorities of the different EU countries.

These digital services play a crucial role as a bridge between consumers and other online content or services. They enable the transmission of information, temporary storage, and server storage, facilitating the smooth flow of digital interactions.