The winds of change are blowing through Europe's digital landscape, and with them come myths and misunderstandings. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is at the heart of this debate, surrounded by questions and concerns. Such as the claim: “From August 25, 2023, the Digital Services Act will come into force and then freedom of expression will be over! Because then all major internet platforms would also have their content censored! " But what is really behind it?
Digital Services Act (DSA): What is it actually?
The DSA was designed to make the EU's digital world safer and more responsible. The law was already passed in November 2022 into force in all EU countries until February 17, 2024 ( Section 6, Article 93 )
Clarifying these dates is crucial as misinformation has led some to believe the law would take effect as early as August 25, 2023.
August 25, 2023
The special date, August 25, 2023, marks the deadline for certain “very large online platforms” and search engines to comply with the provisions of the DSA . These are platforms with over 45 million monthly users (Section 5, Article 33 ).
This is stated, among other things, in the “ Digital Services Act: Commission names very large online platforms and search engines for the first time ” dated April 25, 2023 and “you can read the following: “No later than four months after the notification of the designation decisions, the designated platforms and search engines must have their systems “, adapt resources and compliance procedures and establish an independent compliance system, and conduct and submit to the Commission their first annual risk assessment .”
Means: APRIL 25, 2023 + 4 months = AUGUST 25, 2023
But instead of advocating censorship, the DSA demands transparency and responsibility from these giants.
Very large online platforms:
- Alibaba AliExpress
- Amazon Store
- Apple AppStore
- Booking.com
- Google Play
- Google Maps
- Google Shopping
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- Wikipedia
- YouTube
- Zalando
Very large online search engines:
- Bing
- Google Search
A user-centered approach
At the heart of the DSA is the user. Regulation wants users to understand why they are shown certain content and products. It's about protecting them from targeted advertising, especially children, and ensuring their data is treated with respect.
Regulation of illegal content
A core function of the DSA is dealing with illegal content. Platforms are now obliged to quickly identify and remove such content. This ranges from calls for violence to the distribution of child pornography.
Fact check:
Claim : The Digital Services Act will come into force on August 25, 2023 and then freedom of expression will be over!
Because then all major internet platforms would also have their content censored! Fact check: The entry into force of the Digital Services Act was incorrectly dated August 25, 2023. In fact, the law came into force on November 16, 2022 and will be binding for all EU states from February 17, 2024. Contrary to certain claims, this act does not intend to implement general censorship on the Internet. Instead, he focuses on strengthening the transparency and accountability of large online platforms. This also includes the rapid removal of illegal content, depending on the national law of the country in which the user is based. It is important to emphasize that the Digital Services Act does not restrict freedom of expression. The text of the law ensures that the rights to freedom of expression are safeguarded through the monitoring and enforcement mechanism provided
Claim: The DSA goes into effect on August 25, 2023.
Fact check: False. The DSA will come into force in all EU countries on February 17, 2024.
Claim: The DSA aims to censor internet platforms.
Fact check: False. The DSA requires platforms to be more transparent and regulate illegal content.
Claim: The EU Commission directly monitors the platforms.
Fact check: False. National supervisory authorities, not the EU Commission, will be responsible for supervision.
Claim: The DSA completely restricts advertising.
Fact check: False. The DSA protects users from targeted advertising, but does not completely restrict it.
Claim: The DSA is already in effect.
Fact check: Partly true. It has already been passed, but will not come into full force until February 17, 2024.
Conclusion: The Digital Services Act is a step towards a safer and more transparent digital environment for all EU citizens. It is important to be clear about the true purpose and implications of this law and not to be distracted by myths and misconceptions.
“In times of rampant disinformation and fake news, the Digital Services Act is a necessary instrument for a more transparent and secure internet. At Mimikama, we are committed to fact checking and clarifying misinformation every day. The DSA reflects this commitment at the European level by providing all digital consumers with better protection and a uniform legal framework across the EU. Just as we at Mimikama fight for reliable information, the DSA is committed to raising standards for online platforms. A consistent step in the right direction.”
– Tom Wannenmacher, mimikama
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )