{"id":17725,"date":"2022-09-17T14:44:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-17T14:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=17725"},"modified":"2022-09-24T21:28:46","modified_gmt":"2022-09-24T21:28:46","slug":"digital-content","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Content [EU]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services<\/p>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/770 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services<\/p>\n<p>It sets out rules concerning contracts for the supply of digital content or digital services, in particular:<br \/>\nrules on conformity with the contract; and<br \/>\nremedies where the digital content or digital service does not conform or if there is a failure to supply.<\/p>\n<p>Digital content includes computer programmes and mobile applications, as well as video and audio files in digital form.<br \/>\nDigital services include, for instance, cloud computing services and social media.<\/p>\n<p>The directive is part of the digital single market strategy for Europe.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Scope\" title=\"\nScope\">\nScope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Exceptions_include_contracts_regarding\" title=\"Exceptions include contracts regarding:\">Exceptions include contracts regarding:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Conformity\" title=\"Conformity\">Conformity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Traders_liability\" title=\"Trader&#8217;s liability\">Trader&#8217;s liability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Remedies\" title=\"Remedies\">Remedies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#Application_Background\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/digital-content\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope\"><\/span>\nScope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The directive applies to any contract where a trader supplies digital content or digital services to the consumer and the consumer pays or undertakes to pay a price. It also applies when the consumer does not pay a price but provides or undertakes to provide personal data to the trader, unless the personal data provided are only processed for the purpose of supplying the digital content or digital service or for the trader to comply with legal requirements.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceptions_include_contracts_regarding\"><\/span>Exceptions include contracts regarding:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>goods with digital elements (which are regulated in Directive (EU) 2019\/771);<br \/>\ninternet access;<br \/>\ntexting (such as SMS), with the exception of number-independent interpersonal communications;<br \/>\nhealthcare;<br \/>\ngambling services;<br \/>\nfinancial services;<br \/>\nsoftware offered under a free and open-source licence (where no price is paid and the personal data provided by the consumer is used only to improve the specific software);<br \/>\ndigital content as part of a performance or event, such as digital cinematographic projection;<br \/>\ndigital content provided by public sector bodies in accordance with Directive 2003\/98\/EC.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conformity\"><\/span>Conformity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Digital content or digital services in general must:<\/p>\n<p>fit the description, quantity and quality, and have other features such as functionality, compatibility, interoperability, as required by the contract;<br \/>\nbe fit for the purpose agreed as part of the contract process;<br \/>\nbe supplied with all accessories, instructions and assistance as required by the contract;<br \/>\nbe updated as stipulated by the contract;<br \/>\nbe fit for the purposes for which digital content or digital services of the same type would normally be used;<br \/>\nhave the quality and performance features (including functionality, compatibility, accessibility, continuity and security), which the consumer could reasonably expect;<br \/>\nbe supplied with any accessories and instructions which the consumer may reasonably expect to receive;<br \/>\ncomply with any trial or preview version made available before the contract was concluded.<\/p>\n<p>Traders must ensure that the consumer is informed of and supplied with updates, including security updates, necessary to keep the digital content or digital service in conformity. The directive also contains more detailed rules on the obligation to provide updates.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traders_liability\"><\/span>Trader&#8217;s liability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The trader is liable for:<br \/>\nany failure to supply the digital content or digital service;<br \/>\nany lack of conformity of the digital content or digital service that exists at the time of supply and becomes apparent within a minimum of two years. If the lack of conformity becomes apparent during the first year, the consumer will not need to prove that it existed at the time of supply.<br \/>\nWhen the digital content or digital service is supplied continuously, the trader is liable for any lack of conformity that occurs and becomes apparent throughout the period of supply.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remedies\"><\/span>Remedies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Where the trader has failed to supply the digital content or digital service without undue delay or within an agreed time-frame, following a reminder, the consumer is entitled to terminate the contract.<br \/>\nIn the case of a lack of conformity, the consumer is entitled to have the digital content or digital service brought into conformity (unless this is impossible or would impose disproportionate costs on the trader). If the trader fails to do so, the consumer is entitled to receive a proportionate reduction in the price or to terminate the contract.<br \/>\nWhen the contract is terminated, the trader must fully reimburse the consumer, except for periods when the continuously supplied digital content or digital service was in conformity.<br \/>\nObligations and rights in the event of termination of the contract<\/p>\n<p>Once the contract is terminated, traders must comply with the personal data obligations of Regulation (EU) 2016\/679 (General Data Protection Regulation). Under certain conditions, traders must:<br \/>\nalso refrain from using content that is not personal data and was provided or created by the consumer when using the digital content or digital service;<br \/>\nalso allow consumers to retrieve such content free of charge, without hindrance from the trader, within a reasonable time.<\/p>\n<p>After the termination of the contract, consumers must refrain from using the digital content or digital service and from making it available to third parties.<\/p>\n<p>EU countries must ensure that there are effective means to ensure compliance with this directive.<br \/>\nThe directive complements Directive (EU) 2019\/771 on contracts for the sale of goods.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has to become law in the EU countries by 1 July 2021. EU countries must apply the rules of the directive as of 1 January 2022.<\/p>\n<p>BACKGROUND<\/p>\n<p>See also:<\/p>\n<p>Consumer rights (European Union)<br \/>\nDigital single market (European Commission).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/770 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services (OJ L 136, 22.5.2019, pp. 1-27)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Directive (EU) 2019\/771 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods, amending Regulation (EU) 2017\/2394 and Directive 2009\/22\/EC, and repealing Directive 1999\/44\/EC (OJ L 136, 22.5.2019, pp. 28-50)<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2016\/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95\/46\/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, pp. 1-88)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) 2016\/679 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions \u2014 A digital single market strategy for Europe (COM(2015) 192 final, 6.5.2015)<\/p>\n<p>Directive 2011\/83\/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93\/13\/EEC and Directive 1999\/44\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85\/577\/EEC and Directive 97\/7\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, pp. 64-88)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Directive 2002\/58\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) (OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, pp. 37-47)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Directive 2000\/31\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (\u2018Directive on electronic commerce\u2019) (OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, pp. 1-16)<\/p>\n<p>Council Directive 93\/13\/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, pp. 29-34)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Directive 2003\/98\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the re-use of public sector information (OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, pp. 90-96)<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-17725\" data-postid=\"17725\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-17725 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services Directive (EU) 2019\/770 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services It sets out rules concerning contracts for the supply of digital content or digital services, in particular: rules on conformity with the contract; and remedies where the digital [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[124],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17725"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17725"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18378,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17725\/revisions\/18378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}