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@ Take Twenty One
2023-09-16 09:34:10The main goal of the European Digital Services Act is to elevate online safety for both consumers and businesses. To achieve this objective, the DSA establishes strict requirements that online service providers and platforms must adhere to. These requirements encompass several crucial topics, including:
Fighting Disinformation and Unlawful Content:
One of the main goals of the DSA is to combat disinformation and unlawful content within the European Union (EU). The DSA aims to hold digital service providers responsible for the content circulating on their networks during a time when incorrect information can spread rapidly.
Recommendation Services:
The DSA also mandates online platforms to modify their recommendation services. This is particularly significant since recommendation algorithms have a substantial influence on user behavior and content consumption.
Transparency in Online Advertising:
Another essential component of the DSA is transparency in online advertising. To prevent consumers from being deceived by misleading marketing techniques, digital service providers are obligated to be open and honest about the advertisements displayed on their services.
Annual Risk Assessments:
The DSA mandates digital service providers to conduct annual risk assessments to effectively address harmful online practices. This includes identifying and mitigating risks associated with the sale of illegal goods, the distribution of dangerous content, and the spread of misinformation.
Measures Against Harmful Practices:
In addition to assessments, online service providers must proactively counter harmful behavior on their platforms. This may involve removing illegal content or implementing security measures to prevent the spread of misinformation.
A substantial change in how online platforms and service providers are governed may be seen in the DSA. The European Commission will closely monitor the 19 certified Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs). The DSA's regulations must be followed by these digital juggernauts, which include Apple, Google, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X (previously Twitter), and websites like AliExpress and Booking.com.
Importantly, if these VLOPs and VLOSEs do not comply with the DSA's rules, the European Commission has the authority to impose penalties. The level of enforcement underscores the seriousness with which the EU is approaching the regulation of the digital sector.
Conclusion
A significant advancement in the regulation of online services within the European Union is the European Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA aims to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses, promote transparency, and combat harmful online practices by establishing clear rules and rigorous oversight. Digital giants will need to adapt to these new laws as the DSA is implemented, or they risk facing serious repercussions. Ultimately, the DSA represents a turning point in the digital era, shaping the future of online services in Europe and potentially serving as a model for global digital governance.