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EU Expands Digital Services Act: Crackdown on Toxic Content & Dodgy Products
The EU is expanding its crackdown on toxic social media content and dodgy ecommerce products to nearly all online platforms. The Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes strict requirements to keep internet users safe online. The regulations will cover thousands more websites, including popular platforms like eBay and OnlyFans.
The European Union is taking its strict digital rulebook to the next level by expanding its crackdown on toxic social media content and dodgy ecommerce products. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which has already been implemented for major online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, and Wikipedia, will now apply to nearly all online platforms, marketplaces, and intermediaries within the 27-nation bloc.
The DSA aims to ensure the safety of internet users by imposing a set of strict requirements. These include making it easier to report counterfeit or unsafe goods, flagging harmful or illegal content like hate speech, and banning ads targeted at children. The regulations will cover thousands more websites, including popular platforms like eBay and OnlyFans, which previously escaped the scrutiny reserved for the largest online platforms.
However, there are exemptions for the smallest businesses with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue of less than 10 million euros ($11 million). This move reflects the EU's commitment to creating a safer and more transparent online world, according to Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's Executive Vice President.
Under the DSA, platforms will also be required to be transparent about digital ads. This includes informing users about the reasons behind specific advertisements and disclosing who paid for them. Ads will not be allowed to target users based on sensitive data, such as political or religious beliefs and sexual preferences. Additionally, platforms must provide explanations for content moderation decisions and inform users about the reasons behind post removals or account suspensions.
The EU has already taken action by launching an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The investigation is based on suspicions that the platform has not done enough to curb the spread of illegal content, thus potentially infringing on the provisions of the DSA.
The expansion of the DSA marks a significant milestone in the EU's efforts to create a safer and more transparent online environment. By holding online platforms accountable for toxic content and ensuring the protection of users, the EU is upholding its fundamental values and principles.
The EU is expanding its crackdown on toxic social media content and dodgy ecommerce products to nearly all online platforms.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes strict requirements to keep internet users safe online.
The regulations will cover thousands more websites, including popular platforms like eBay and OnlyFans.
Source: AP NEWS