La 22enne è scomparsa la sera dell’Epifania: quando è stata rinvenuta aveva un cerotto sulle labbra. L’ipotesi del suicidio. Sui social aveva scritto a un uomo misterioso: «Se crepo sappiamo di chi è la colpa». Polemiche sulle ricerche.
Annabella Martinelli, university student missing as Epiphany evening from her home in Padova, where she lived with her parents, and found dead hanged Thursday afternoon on the Euganean Hills. From the very first moments after the body was found in a grove on Monte Oliveto, close to the main road leading to Teolo, the only hypothesis considered was that of voluntary action, suicide. So much so that the chief prosecutor of Padua, Angelantonio Racanelli, declared: «At the moment there are no elements to hypothesize responsibility towards third parties».
The long writing found in the room
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A statement also linked to the finding in the girl’s backpack of notes in which Annabella predicted the tragic gesture,and also a long writing - consisting of several pages – left by her in her room.
Taking the path adjacent to Via Euganea Teolo, he noticed a body hanging from a branch with a rope around its neck. It is hypothesized that the girl had carried it inside her red backpack. A “mystery” then animated Social media: on the last post published in October on Threads (a “branch” of Instagram) by Annabella Martinelli, among the many comments of condolence, two appeared published by two other users with “screenshots” showing a back-and-forth between a man – whose profile has now been deleted – and the young woman. She writes to him: “If you become my stalker I’ll identify you immediately”; and: “If I die or something happens to me now we certainly know who is to blame, a man who cannot accept rejection.” Though, according to investigators, there is no connection with Annabella’s death. Autopsy on Tuesday.
The suicide prevention hotline: who to call for help
A toll-free number, available seven days a week, to call if you need help. It is the suicide prevention service of the Veneto Region and at 800 334343 ten psychologists answer, in strict confidence. In Venice, the Telefono Amico association is also active, answering the single national number 02 2327 2327 and via Whatsapp at 3240117252.
Operators answer every day, including holidays, from 10 am to midnight while the toll-free number is active 24/7. Since the beginning of the year, calls to 800 334343, created during the economic crisis to help entrepreneurs, have been around two hundred per month, 60 percent of which are from new users.
What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?
The Digital Services act (DSA) is a landmark European Union law that establishes a comprehensive set of rules for online platforms and services operating within the EU, aiming to create a safer and more accountable online environment.
Enacted on November 20, 2022, and fully applicable as of February 17, 2024, the DSA addresses illegal and harmful content online, promotes clarity, and empowers users. It applies to a wide range of online services, including social media platforms, online marketplaces, search engines, and hosting services. the DSA operates alongside the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which focuses on ensuring fair competition in digital markets.
For example, very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) – those with over 45 million active users in the EU – face the most stringent obligations, including conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures to address systemic risks such as the spread of illegal content and disinformation. The European Commission designated 17 such platforms in April 2023. Commission designates very large online platforms and search engines
Key Obligations Under the DSA
The DSA imposes a tiered set of obligations on online intermediaries, based on their size and role in the online ecosystem. These obligations range from relatively simple requirements for smaller platforms to extensive due diligence obligations for VLOPs and VLOSEs.
Core obligations include requirements to remove illegal content promptly upon notification, provide users with clear and accessible terms and conditions, and offer mechanisms for reporting illegal content. The DSA also introduces new transparency requirements, such as the obligation to disclose algorithms used for content suggestion and moderation. Furthermore, platforms must provide users with explanations for content moderation decisions.
As an illustration, Article 26 of the DSA requires VLOPs to establish a clear and effective system for users to challenge content moderation decisions. Digital Services Act – Article 26. Meta, for instance, has implemented a system allowing users to appeal content removals directly through their platform. How we are preparing for the Digital Services Act
Enforcement and Penalties
The DSA’s enforcement is a multi-layered system involving the European Commission, national Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) in each EU member state, and users themselves. The Commission has direct supervisory powers over VLOPs and VLOSEs,while DSCs oversee other online intermediaries.
Non-compliance with the DSA can result in substantial penalties,including fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue. In cases of repeated serious infringements, the Commission can also impose temporary bans on operating within the EU. Users also have the right to seek redress for damages caused by violations of the DSA.
On December 18, 2023, the European commission announced its first investigations under the DSA, focusing on X (formerly twitter) regarding potential breaches of transparency obligations and compliance with systemic risk assessments. European Commission opens formal investigations against X platform. These investigations could result in fines of up to 6% of X’s global turnover.
Impact on Online Platforms and Users
the DSA is expected to have a notable impact on how online platforms operate and how users experience the internet. Platforms are investing heavily in compliance efforts, including updating their content moderation policies, enhancing transparency measures, and strengthening user reporting mechanisms.
For users,the DSA promises a safer and more transparent online environment,with greater control over their data and more effective mechanisms for addressing illegal and harmful content. The Act aims to empower users to make informed choices about the content they consume and the platforms they use. However, some critics argue that the DSA’s broad scope and complex requirements could stifle innovation and lead to over-censorship.
A report by the European Parliament in October 2023 highlighted that the DSA is expected to benefit over 450 million EU citizens by providing them with greater protection against illegal content and harmful practices online. The Digital Services Act: what you need to know. The report also noted the challenges of implementing and enforcing the DSA effectively.