Digital law and social media regulation

Digital law has emerged as a distinct legal field driven by the rise of social media and connected technologies. It integrates various disciplines, including civil, criminal, intellectual property, consumer, and press law. Approximately 30% of social media users have reportedly encountered legal issues related to their online activities.

In Europe, the regulatory landscape has accelerated significantly since the implementation of the GDPR in 2018. New frameworks, such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Act, are reshaping the obligations of digital actors.

Key issues within this field include image rights, where individuals have the right to control their visual representation. Under French law, specifically Article 9 of the Civil Code, explicit and specific consent is required to photograph, film, or distribute a person's image. This protection applies to all individuals regardless of status, treating an image as personal data similar to a name or address.