United Against Online Abuse, the FIA-backed campaign tackling online abuse in sport, has partnered with international law firm Clark Hill to release updated guidance on the European Digital Services Act for sports organisations.

This collaboration aims to provide clarity and support as the Act takes effect on intermediary service providers (ISPs) from February 17th of this year.

The Digital Services Act is a European law with worldwide implications which aims to tackle disinformation, false advertising, copyright violations sand online abuse. Under the terms of the law, organisations operating online have increased responsibilities to protect their users and those engaging with their content.

Breaches of this hard hitting and far-reaching law can result in fines for businesses and organisations of up to 6% of global turnover. It is consistent with other new EU and US laws on mandatory human rights reporting which are coming down the tracks – and fast.

Abuses of rights to privacy and online abuse as seen in world sport recently will be outlawed and punished if it affects EU citizens, organisations or businesses anywhere on the globe.

The guidance from UAOA and Clark Hill will be shared with sports organisations to help them understand their responsibilities under the law. The document includes explainers on what the legislation means, and what specific activities it impacts for those operating in Europe.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and UAOA Founding Patron said: “We are a knowledge-led campaign and are dedicated to sharing information and guidance to support our members, and those within the wider sporting space. We hope that this will help organisations to understand their responsibilities and begin to monitor for potential issues they may face in the future.”

Clark Hill is a long-term partner and legal adviser to the UAOA campaign. Aidan Eames, Consultant at Clark Hill, said: “We are pleased to work with the UAOA to help sports organisations meet and understand the requirements of the DSA. This kind of work could not be more important, in a constantly evolving, global legislative environment.”