Harmonising consumer protection in the digital context: the EU digital content directive in Austria

The EU Digital Content Directive (EU) 2019/770, which regulates contracts for the supply of digital content and services, must be transposed into national law by 1 July 2021. By seeking full harmonisation of its content, the Digital Content Directive aims to achieve a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU.

It should also benefit entrepreneurs / traders, as transaction costs due to divergent national requirements will be reduced and thus the supply of digital content and services simplified. The Digital Content Directive has not yet been transposed into Austrian law. Either an amendment of the Consumer Protection Act (KSchG), respectively the General Civil Code (ABGB) or the promulgation of a separate law implementing the Directive in Austria has been envisaged.