Hybrid workshop on Platform Economy
Follow-up Workshop on “Sharing international experiences on platform economy”
Mr Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of HSF Vietnam spoke at the workshop
HSF
The previous workshop laid the groundwork by introducing relevant European regulations for digital economy, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It also initiated discussions among legal experts and policymakers on the needs for regulatory amendments related to platform economy in Vietnam. This follow-up workshop aimed to further develop and update the concepts discussed in 2023, focusing on development and implementation strategies related to legal issues of consumer right protection, investments, and e-commerce, as well as regulations for digital platforms in EU and Germany. The workshop brought together an international and national cohort of experts, including those who participated in the previous session, to build on the established foundation and address new challenges that have emerged over the past year.
The event featured in-depth presentations and discussions on platform economy models and the need for modernized legal frameworks in Vietnam. Speakers and participants discussed about an effective legal framework would not only facilitate the growth of platform-based businesses but also safeguard the interests of consumers, workers, and other stakeholders. Speakers from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) emphasized that overlapping and fragmented regulations—spanning e-commerce, social media, consumer rights, and telecommunications—create inconsistencies and enforcement challenges. Conflicting requirements, such as differing content monitoring responsibilities, and outdated management approaches for platforms like ride-hailing and e-commerce hinder growth and add administrative burdens. Small-scale operators also face insufficient protections, with examples like Shopee's unilateral policy changes negatively affecting sellers. To address these issues, speakers called for harmonized, platform-specific regulations that reduce burdens, ensure fair treatment, and foster innovation, drawing on international examples like the EU's Digital Services Act.
Dr. Till Guttenberger answered questions of experts from Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Information and Communications
HSF
As international expert at the workshop, Dr. Till Guttenberger of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice provided a comprehensive overview of legal frameworks and challenges in managing platform accountability, content moderation, and competition. A key focus was platform liability for hosted content, contrasting liberal approaches like the USA’s Section 230 Communications Act, which limits liability to support platform growth, with stricter EU regulations. The EU’s e-commerce directive and the Digital Services Act (DSA) require platforms to remove illegal content promptly and ensure transparency and accountability. Germany’s Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) mandates notice-and-action mechanisms and strict deadlines for content removal. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) addresses fair competition by regulating "gatekeepers" of large platforms. Dr. Guttenberger also explored responses to issues like hate speech, disinformation, and "awful but lawful" content, emphasizing Europe’s proactive efforts to balance user protection, fair competition, and fundamental rights in the digital ecosystem.
Since 2022, HSF has been part of the Rule of Law Dialogue between Vietnam and Germany under which umbrella this activity was organised. As a result, the success of this workshop provides proof of a mutually beneficial partnership between HSF and MoJ. This activity reflects HSF’s commitment to fostering collaboration between Vietnam and Germany as well as supporting Vietnam’s efforts in adapting to the digital age.