DCO Policy Watch – Fourth Edition
June 2025
The fourth edition of the DCO Policy Watch focuses on the theme of a Responsible Digital Ecosystem and the Role of Platform Governance. This edition explores the critical role that digital platforms play in enabling, moderating, and influencing digital ecosystems, while identifying the key policy instruments and frameworks used to govern these systems globally and within DCO Member States.
Overall Theme:
The responsible digital ecosystem is built on principles of ethical governance, sustainability, and inclusion. This edition of the Policy Watch introduces a multi-dimensional framework for understanding the responsible digital ecosystem – addressing transparency, data protection, platform accountability, and social equity. Through the lens of platform governance, it highlights how platform practices influence online safety, content regulation, and competition.
Key Sections:
1.Online Safety and Digital Trust
This section outlines the global rise in digital risks and how platform policies, national regulations, and international initiatives are evolving to enhance online safety. Topics include child protection, cyber harassment, misinformation, and emerging AI risks. Case studies from the EU, Canada, MENA, and APAC are used to illustrate diverse approaches.
- Content Governance and Platform Accountability
Explores how platforms govern digital content, addressing moderation frameworks, algorithmic transparency, and stakeholder accountability. The section reviews evolving global standards such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, as well as self-regulatory and co-regulatory models, and innovations in fact-checking and moderation policies.
- Fair Competition in Digital Markets
Discusses how governments are updating competition frameworks to address the market power of dominant digital platforms. Highlights include the EU’s Digital Markets Act, the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, and global enforcement actions. Case studies from the US, Brazil, South Africa, and India show regulatory diversity and shared priorities.
- Global and Regional Trends
The edition emphasizes increasing regulatory convergence in some regions, the emergence of digital-first regulators, and growing recognition of cross-border cooperation. It also highlights the influence of major multilateral initiatives and the growing role of private sector actors in setting digital governance norms.
As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, platform governance will remain central to building safe, fair, and inclusive digital spaces. This edition provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies and policy tools shaping the future of digital governance and outlines areas for further collaboration and innovation across the DCO Member States.