RE-ACT PILOT tests how to make collective redress for digital rights real

The RE-ACT PILOT project aims to strengthen the capacity of consumer organizations to obtain collective redress for end users whose rights have been violated in the online marketplace. Through a pilot case study focused on the Representative Actions Directive (RAD), the project seeks to lay the groundwork for future class actions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), leveraging the experience and cooperation of qualified consumer rights entities across Europe.

Objectives

• Develop expertise in conducting representative actions under the RAD framework, particularly in the context of the digital environment regulated by the DSA.
• Build and test national and cross-border mechanisms to address digital marketplace violations through collective redress.
• Enhance the legal and operational capacity of consumer organizations to respond to online infringements effectively.
• Raise awareness among consumers and stakeholders on their evolving rights under the DSA and on the availability of representative actions as a tool for justice.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange between consumer organizations in Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia to promote replicability across other EU member states.
• Strengthen cooperation between qualified entities and develop shared strategies for legal enforcement and consumer protection in the digital space.

Background

In today’s complex and rapidly changing digital landscape, consumer rights are increasingly at risk due to the dominance of large online platforms and the prevalence of illegal practices. The Digital Services Act (Regulation EU 2022/2065) represents a pivotal moment in EU legislation, designed to:

• Ensure secure and accountable digital environments.
• Empower consumers with transparency, control, and protection from illegal content.
• Enforce obligations on very large online platforms to moderate content responsibly and safeguard vulnerable users.

When combined with the Representative Actions Directive (EU 2020/1828), the DSA creates a robust dual enforcement model:

• Public enforcement by national and EU-level authorities, and
• Private enforcement through collective redress actions led by consumer organizations.

This synergy allows for greater access to justice and protection of fundamental rights in the digital sphere.

Expected Impact

The RE-ACT PILOT will:

• Equip consumer organizations with information about DSA-based collective actions;
• Empower staff with legal and strategic knowledge through training and pilot litigation;
• Strengthen collaborative networks across participating EU countries;
• Set a precedent for future class actions and reinforce private enforcement as a complement to public oversight.

Ultimately, the project supports the development of a more transparent, fair, and equitable digital single market for all European consumers.

ID: 101196232
Duration: 24 months
Euroconsumers partner: ALTROCONSUMO
Other partners:

• Latvijas Patērētāju interešu aizstāvības asociācija (Latvia)
• Vartotojų aljansas – Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (Lithuania)
• Spoločnosť ochrany spotrebiteľov – S.O.S. (Slovakia)