It comes into force throughout the European Union starting tomorrow, February 17, on Digital Services Act (Dsa)the EU law on digital services.
There are 19 large online platforms which, according to the list drawn up on 25 April last year by EU Commission, already comply with the obligations set out in the new Regulation. From tomorrow, however, platforms with fewer than 45 million active users will also have to comply with all DSA regulations: To facilitate this process, EU Member States will have to appoint national coordinators of digital services.
Mitigation of “systemic risks”
Il Digital Services Act enforces the accountability and protection of online users through mitigation of “risks systemic” and the application of “robust content moderation tools”. This includes content profiling and recommendation systems, privacy and safety of minors online, illegal content and negative effects on freedom of expression and information, access to data for researchers through a special mechanism. Based on these requirements, the 19 large platforms each sent their own risk assessment to the Union executive.
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I services online already affected by the obligations according to the Dsa are 2 large search engines (Vloses, in jargon) – Bing and Google Search – and 17 large online platforms (Vlops): social media (Facebook, InstagramTwitter, TikTokSnapchat, LinkedIn, Pinterest), services e-commerce (Alibaba AliExpress, Amazon Store, Apple AppStore, Zalando), services Google (Google Play, Google Maps and Google Shopping), as well as Booking.com, Wikipedia and YouTube.
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“From tomorrow the rules of the Digital Services Act will apply to all online platforms accessed by users in the EU. Users, Member States and platforms can now use the tools provided by the DSA to create a safer and more transparent online world.” This is what he says the Executive Vice President of the EU Digital Commission, Margrethe Vestagerunderlining that “this is a great milestone that reflects our fundamental EU values and principles”.
Dsa: what is it
The regulation on digital services regulates online intermediaries and platforms such as online marketplaces, social networks, content sharing platforms, app stores and online travel and accommodation platforms. The main objective is prevent illegal activities and harmful online and the spread of fake news. It ensures user safety, protects fundamental rights and creates a fair and open environment for platforms.
Main objectives
Digital services legislation protects consumers and their fundamental rights by establishing clear and proportionate rules for online activities. It promotes innovation, growth and competitiveness and facilitates the expansion of smaller platforms, SMEs and companies startup. The roles of users, platforms and public authorities are rebalanced based on European values, placing citizens at the centre.
The obligations
The Digital Services Regulation contains rules for online intermediation services, which millions of Europeans use every day. The obligations of the different online operators correspond to their role, their size and their impact on the digital ecosystem.
All online intermediaries providing their services in the single market, whether based in the EU or not, will have to comply with the new rules. Micro and small businesses will have obligations commensurate with their capacity and size, while remaining accountable. Furthermore, even if they experience strong growth, micro and small businesses will be able to benefit from a targeted exemption from a number of obligations during a 12-month transitional period.
Entry into force
The rules already apply to designated platforms with more than 45 million users in the EU (10% of the European population), i.e. very large online platforms or search engines. From tomorrow, the digital services regulation will apply to all platforms.
The Commission will implement the regulation on digital services together with national authorities, who will monitor the compliance of platforms based in their territory. Furthermore, it is primarily the Commission’s responsibility to monitor and verify compliance with additional obligations that apply to very large online platforms and search engines, such as measures to mitigate systemic risks.
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