When trust protects the digital public sphere
Whether on social media, in comment sections or on video platforms, the digital space has become a central component of our democratic culture of debate. At the same time, however, it is unfortunately also a place of hate speech, disinformation and targeted manipulation. The question of how these risks can be effectively contained while still complying with fundamental rights is one that concerns politicians, platform operators and civil society alike.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) provides one answer – with a new, as yet little-known instrument: the so-called “trusted flaggers“. Their task is to report illegal content – quickly, accurately and credibly. But their role goes far beyond platform regulation. They help to strengthen trust in digital processes – and thus ultimately also stabilize democratic societies.
What are trusted flaggers – and why are they relevant?
Trusted flaggers are organisations designated by national coordinators that have proven expertise and independence. They are given special status in the DSA: their reports of illegal content – such as hate speech, terrorist propaganda or illegal trade – must be reviewed by platform operators as a matter of priority and without delay.
Requirements:
- Expertise in assessing illegal content
- Objectivity, diligence and transparency in decision-making
- Independence from platforms and economic interests
- Regular, public reports on their own activities
- Only organizations based in the EU can apply. However, the status is valid throughout the EU.
Trusted flaggers are not censorship authorities. They provide verified, credible information – but the decision on consequences (e.g. deletion) remains with the platform itself or, in cases of dispute, with the courts.
Trust in digital processes – a democratic stabilizer
Trust as a foundation
Digital processes – from electronic signatures to content moderation – only work if they are transparent, secure and legally effective. Trust is created when technical infrastructure meets clear responsibilities – and when measures are not arbitrary, but rule-based and verifiable.
Trusted flaggers make an important contribution here: their qualified reports prevent the arbitrary deletion of content – and at the same time ensure that illegal content does not go unchallenged. They create procedural security in the digital space.
Protecting democratic discourse
Open debate is essential in a pluralistic society. At the same time, when disinformation is deliberately spread or human dignity is violated, discourse loses its foundation. Trusted flaggers help maintain this balance – they act as a protective mechanism against digital derailment without restricting freedom of expression across the board.
Between aspiration and reality: challenges in development
Despite their great importance, there are still only a few recognized trusted flaggers. The reasons:
- High formal hurdles for certification
- Capacity bottlenecks in civil society organizations
- Uncertainty about responsibilities and processes
- Lack of visibility of the instrument in public debate
Critical voices fear an increase in the power of non-state actors – but the DSA sets clear limits: only those who demonstrate documented independence, expertise and transparency can become and remain trusted flaggers.
At the same time, this status offers the opportunity to make a visible contribution to Europe’s digital resilience – with an impact far beyond the respective platform.
Role of trust service providers – securing technology, strengthening democracy
From the perspective of a qualified trust service provider, there is one key responsibility: ensuring the integrity of digital processes – including in the context of trusted flaggers. Providers such as Namirial offer expertise that can professionally support this new function:
- Technological platforms that document reporting processes in a legally effective manner
- Verification systems to protect the identities of whistleblowers and ensure authenticity
- Transparency tools that automate reporting and ensure GDPR compliance
- Consulting services for organizations that wish to become certified as trusted flaggers
This enables trust service providers – without being in the spotlight – to ensure that Trusted Flaggers operate in a reliable, scalable and legally compliant digital ecosystem.
Conclusion – Digital processes need trustworthy structures
Trusted flaggers are more than just whistleblowers. They are a structural expression of democratic responsibility in the digital space. Their success depends on the quality of the digital infrastructure available to them – and on the trust that people place in them.
Trust service providers play a supporting but central role in this: they enable security, transparency and reliability – and thus strengthen digital democracy from within.
