Facebook's recent notifications
In a detailed announcement, Facebook its users that the terms of use and policies have been changed. This is in response to the recently enacted EU Digital Services Act (GdD). The basic rules remain unchanged. But Facebook is now placing more emphasis on transparency. The company provides more details about its technologies and processes. It also provides additional information in a more user-friendly format.
Facebook expressly emphasizes that the report is authentic and does not constitute false information. This is an example of the importance of using clear and reliable communication channels at a time when misinformation is commonplace.
Such measures also demonstrate the continuous efforts of platforms such as Facebook to gain and maintain the trust of their users, even when in the context of the EU GdD. It is a step towards greater responsibility and accountability in the digital world.
While Facebook communicates proactively and demonstrates transparency, it remains to be seen how other tech giants respond to similar demands and shape the digital landscape in the coming months and years.
How the Digital Services Act is reshaping the landscape of tech giants in the EU
At a time when virtual fingerprints can be found in almost all areas of our lives, Europe has taken the initiative to make the digital landscape more secure and transparent. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force on August 25, 2023, is more than just new guidance. It is a strong signal to all online platforms to play fairly. But what does this mean for the big players in the industry and ultimately for us as users?
Europe's claim to digital transparency
The DSA was created by the European Union to take a clear stance against illegal online content. The goal? Creating a safer digital space for everyone. The focus is primarily on the big players on the Internet, including platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Twitter's successor X. With the DSA, these platforms must now explain in more detail and more transparently how they moderate content and design their algorithms.
Who is in the spotlight?
The “very large online platforms” receiving particular attention include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Google services. Companies such as Zalando, Wikipedia and Apple's App Store are also being scrutinized. The reason? Their enormous reach and influence on the everyday digital lives of millions of people.
What innovations does the DSA bring with it?
The innovations are diverse and profound:
- Simple terms and conditions that even children can understand.
- Remove illegal content faster.
- Detailed reports on risks to EU citizens.
- Protection of personal data, especially children.
- More transparency in how platforms work.
The reactions of the tech giants
The reactions from the big players are mixed. While companies like Google and TikTok promise to create more transparency, others are less pleased. Both Amazon and Zalando have filed lawsuits on the grounds that, as pure retailers, they should not fall into the category of “very large online platforms.”
What does all this mean for us?
For the average EU citizen, the changes may initially remain invisible. They seem more in the background. But the protection and security that these rules promise will have a long-term positive impact on everyone's digital experiences.
In summary, the Digital Services Act represents a step in the right direction to make the online world safer and more trustworthy. It shows that Europe is willing to actively shape the digital future.
Our clarification on Facebook's opt-out option
In the most recent notification, Facebook offers its users an option regarding the updated terms of use: If users do not agree, they have the option to stop using it completely. This may sound like a free choice to some, but it is more of an ultimatum: accept or leave.
We at Mimikama make it clear right away: users cannot contradict Facebook's terms of use. If you want to continue to be part of the platform, you must accept the terms and conditions. There is no interim solution. This clarification is particularly important because many users may think that they can object to individual terms and conditions and still continue to use the Services.
Understanding the fine print and terms of the platforms we use every day is therefore crucial. Only in this way are users able to make an informed decision about how and to what extent they want to pass on their personal data and how they want to use the online platforms.
Finally, we would like to invite you to always stay informed. Sign up for our Mimikama newsletter and benefit from our media education offer to always be up to date!
Source:
Facebook – “Why our terms of use now contain more information”
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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 )

