EU’s Digital Services Act Expands to Nearly All Online Platforms
The European Union is taking a major step in its efforts to regulate online platforms and ensure the safety of internet users. On Saturday, the EU is expanding its strict digital rulebook, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), to encompass almost all online platforms in the bloc. This move is the next phase of the EU’s crackdown on toxic social media content and questionable ecommerce products, which began last year by targeting the most popular services.
The DSA has already been implemented for nearly two dozen of the largest online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, and Wikipedia. These platforms are required to comply with a set of stringent requirements aimed at keeping users safe online. These requirements include making it easier to report counterfeit or unsafe goods, flagging harmful or illegal content such as hate speech, and even banning ads targeted at children.
Expanding the Rules
Now, the EU’s digital rules will apply to nearly all online platforms, marketplaces, and intermediaries with users in the 27-nation bloc. The only exemptions are the smallest businesses with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue of less than 10 million euros ($11 million). This means that thousands more websites could potentially be covered by the regulations. Notable platforms such as eBay and OnlyFans, which previously escaped extra scrutiny as the largest online platforms, will now be subject to the DSA.
European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager emphasized the impact of these expanded rules, stating, “Users, Member States, and platforms can now use the tools under the DSA to shape a safer and more transparent online world. This is a big milestone that reflects our fundamental EU values and principles.”
Transparency and Accountability
The DSA not only focuses on ensuring user safety but also promotes transparency and accountability among online platforms. Platforms will be required to provide transparency about digital advertisements, informing users why they are being shown a specific ad and who paid for it. Additionally, platforms are prohibited from targeting users based on “sensitive data” such as political or religious beliefs and sexual preferences.
Furthermore, platforms must explain content moderation decisions, ensuring that users understand why their posts were taken down or their accounts suspended. This increased transparency aims to empower users and foster a more open and trustworthy online environment.
Investigating Elon Musk’s Platform
The EU has already taken action in accordance with the DSA. It has initiated an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), over suspicions of infringing the DSA’s provisions. The investigation focuses on X’s alleged failure to adequately curb the spread of illegal content.
As the EU expands its digital rulebook, it solidifies its commitment to protecting internet users and creating a safer online landscape. The regulations aim to foster transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of online platforms, reflecting the EU’s fundamental values and principles.