Digital Content and Digital Services in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Since 2022, special rules protect consumers who buy digital content and digital services:
- Conformity: Digital content (apps, software, streaming, e-books, cloud services) must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality.
- Updates: The supplier must provide necessary updates (security and functionality) for as long as the consumer can reasonably expect.
- Claim period: For a one-off purchase the claim period is 2 years. For ongoing subscriptions the content must be in conformity for the entire term of the contract.
- Remedies: If the digital content is defective — repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation of the contract and a refund.
- Data rights: If you cancel, the supplier may not use your personal data (unless required by law) and must give you the ability to retrieve your content.
When does it apply?
- You bought or subscribed to digital content or a digital service — including where you "pay" with personal data.
- The content is defective, does not work as described or no longer receives updates.
What to do if a digital product or subscription does not work as promised in Denmark
- Report the problem to the supplier and ask for repair, replacement or a refund.
- If the supplier refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board.
- If you cancel a subscription because of defects, ask for deletion of your data and export of your content.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept "no refunds on digital purchases" — your statutory rights also apply to digital content.
- Don't ignore missing updates — the supplier has a duty to keep the content secure and functional.
- Don't assume free services have no protection — if you have provided personal data, the same consumer rights apply.
About Consumer Rights in Denmark
If something you bought is defective, Købeloven (the Sale of Goods Act) gives you 2 years to demand repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — and defects that appear within the first year are presumed to have been present at delivery. For online and distance purchases, Forbrugeraftaleloven (the Consumer Contracts Act) gives you a 14-day right of withdrawal. Misleading advertising and unfair contract terms are prohibited under Markedsføringsloven (the Marketing Practices Act), enforced by Forbrugerombudsmanden (the Consumer Ombudsman). Unresolved disputes can be brought before Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board).
Common Questions
Do Danish consumer rights cover apps, software and streaming subscriptions?
Yes. Since 2022, digital content and digital services — apps, software, streaming, e-books, cloud services — must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. The protection applies even if you 'pay' with personal data rather than money. The supplier must also provide necessary security and functionality updates.
How long can I complain about defective digital content in Denmark?
For a one-off purchase the claim period is 2 years. For ongoing subscriptions the content must be in conformity for the entire term of the contract. Remedies include repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation of the contract with a refund. 'No refunds on digital purchases' clauses cannot override your statutory rights.
What happens to my data if I cancel a Danish digital subscription?
If you cancel the contract, the supplier may not use your personal data unless required by law, and must give you the ability to retrieve your content. Ask for deletion of your data and export of your content. If the supplier refuses to fix a defect, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board.
What is the digital content and digital services right in Denmark?
Since 2022, special rules protect consumers who buy digital content and digital services:Conformity: Digital content (apps, software, streaming, e-books, cloud services) must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality.Updates: The supplier must provide necessary updates (security and functionality) for as long as the consumer can reasonably expect.Claim period: For a one-off purchase the claim period is 2 years. For ongoing subscriptions the content must be in conformity for the entire term of the contract.Remedies: If the digital content is defective — repair, replacement,...
When does it apply — digital content and digital services?
You bought or subscribed to digital content or a digital service — including where you "pay" with personal data.The content is defective, does not work as described or no longer receives updates.
What should I do if an app, software or streaming service I paid for is defective or does not get promised updates in Denmark?
Report the problem to the supplier and ask for repair, replacement or a refund.If the supplier refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board.If you cancel a subscription because of defects, ask for deletion of your data and export of your content.
What should you NOT do — digital content and digital services?
Don't accept "no refunds on digital purchases" — your statutory rights also apply to digital content.Don't ignore missing updates — the supplier has a duty to keep the content secure and functional.Don't assume free services have no protection — if you have provided personal data, the same consumer rights apply.