On Tuesday (April 25, 2023), the European Union announced that online platforms and search engines must, among other things, undergo an annual audit to ensure that they are effectively combating the spread of misinformation and hate messages.

European Union places 19 internet platforms under stricter control

Under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), Twitter , Facebook , TikTok and other Google services in the EU must now take particularly decisive action against illegal content on their platforms. The EU Commission has classified a total of 19 services as “very large online platforms” and “very large online search engines”, which also Zalando , Wikipedia , Booking.com , the Amazon Marketplace and Apple’s App Store .

The DSA aims to ensure that platforms remove illegal content on their sites more quickly than before. At the same time, it will be easier for users to report such content.

Stricter rules for very large online platforms and search engines

Basically, large services have to follow more rules than small ones. However, particularly strict requirements apply to very large platforms and search engines that have more than 45 million active users per month. From the EU's perspective, they pose a particularly great risk to society. Because of their size, they are classified as “systemically important” according to the Digital Services Act (DSA) and are therefore subject to their direct supervision.

Stricter content moderation requirements apply to these platforms. In addition, they are obliged to provide insights into their algorithms upon request and to allow approved researchers access to their data.

Twitter and TikTok have been criticized by politicians. Twitter has been criticized for its unreliable management since it was taken over by Elon Musk. TikTok, in turn, is suspected that the Chinese state has access to personal user data through its parent company Bytedance. In addition, five Google services can be found on the list of 19 “systemically important” platforms and search engines named by the EU Commission.

More control online: Companies have four months to adapt according to DSA

The now designated services will have four months to fulfill their obligations under the DSA. This includes drawing up their own risk assessment for dealing with illegal content. In doing so, they must take particular account of the risk of gender-based violence and the protection of minors and their mental health. The reports are then examined by the EU Commission. In addition, companies are not allowed to display advertising based on sensitive data such as political views or sexual orientation. Personalized advertising for minors is generally prohibited. Companies that do not adhere to the rules face penalties of up to six percent of their annual global turnover.

From February 17 next year, the DSA rules will apply to all services covered by the law. In addition to Alibaba AliExpress, the 19 designated platforms and search engines include Google Play, Google Maps, Google Shopping, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube and the Google and Bing search engines.

Sources: Die Zeit , Tagesspiegel

Also read: Law against digital violence! Account blocking possible?


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