Chilean Prosecutor Accuses Prosecutor of Bias, Blames Boric for “Interference
- The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union law that establishes a comprehensive set of new obligations for online platforms to create a safer digital space for...
- the DSA aims to address the spread of illegal content online,protect users' fundamental rights,and foster innovation,growth,and competitiveness within the EU's digital single market.
- For example, very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) - those with 45 million or more active users in the EU - face...
“`html
What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?
Table of Contents
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union law that establishes a comprehensive set of new obligations for online platforms to create a safer digital space for users and fundamental rights. It was adopted on October 4, 2022, and began applying to all online platforms operating in the EU on February 17, 2024, with full application for all services by February 17, 2025. european Commission – Digital Services Act
the DSA aims to address the spread of illegal content online,protect users’ fundamental rights,and foster innovation,growth,and competitiveness within the EU’s digital single market. It applies to a wide range of online services, including social networks, online marketplaces, search engines, and hosting services. The law categorizes services based on their size and impact, imposing different levels of obligation accordingly.
For example, very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) - those with 45 million or more active users in the EU – face the most stringent requirements, including systemic risk assessments and autonomous audits. european Commission – Factsheet: Digital Services Act Explained
Key obligations Under the DSA
The Digital Services Act imposes several key obligations on online platforms. These obligations are tiered,with the most demanding requirements placed on the largest platforms.
- Illegal Content Removal: Platforms must have mechanisms to allow users to flag illegal content and act expeditiously to remove it. European Parliament – The Digital Services Act: What you need to know
- Transparency Requirements: Platforms must be obvious about their content moderation policies, algorithms, and advertising practices. European Parliament – The Digital Services Act: What you need to know
- User Empowerment: Users must have more control over the content they see online,including the ability to opt out of algorithmic recommendations. European Commission – Factsheet: Digital Services Act Explained
- Risk Assessments: VLOPs and VLOSEs must conduct systemic risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks related to the spread of illegal content,disinformation,and other harms. European Commission – Factsheet: Digital Services Act Explained
Who Enforces the DSA?
Enforcement of the Digital Services Act is primarily the duty of the European Commission, through a newly established Digital Services Coordinator. European Commission – European Commission appoints digital Services Coordinators
Each EU member state is also responsible for designating a Digital Services coordinator to oversee enforcement within their territory. The Commission has direct supervisory powers over VLOPs and VLOSEs, while national Digital Services Coordinators oversee smaller platforms. The Commission can impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue for non-compliance.
On december 18, 2023, the European Commission formally notified 22 very large online platforms and search engines (VLOPs and VLOSEs) designated under the DSA. These include companies like meta, Google, amazon, Apple, and TikTok. European Commission – European Commission notifies 22 very large online platforms and search engines under the Digital Services Act
Potential Impact of the DSA
The Digital Services Act is expected to have a important impact on the online landscape in the EU and beyond.
The DSA aims to create a more transparent and accountable online surroundings, empowering users and protecting their rights. It is anticipated to lead to a reduction in the spread of illegal content and disinformation,and to foster greater competition among online platforms. However, some critics argue that the DSA’s requirements could stifle innovation and disproportionately burden smaller platforms.
In