EU Takes On Social Media Ills With Landmark Law Tackling Safety, Misinformation And Targeted Ads
MEPs and the Council have reached a provisional political agreement on the Digital Services Act which aims for more online safety, and transparency and to prevent the spread of illegal content.
Together with the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services act will set standards for a safer and more transparent digital space for users and a level playing field for companies in the years to come.
Under the new rules implemented by the act, online platforms like social media and marketplace platforms will have to take measures to protect users from illegal content, goods and services.
Through the new rules, the European Commission and member states will have access to the algorithms of large online platforms.
The swift removal of illegal content will also be enabled through a clearer “notice and action” procedure which empowers users to report illegal content online and online platforms will have to act quickly.
The Digital Services Act also aims to protect fundamental rights online, by introducing stronger safeguards to ensure notices are processed in a non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory manner and with respect for fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and data protection.
Online marketplaces have to ensure that consumers can purchase safe products or services online, by strengthening checking mechanisms that prove that information provided by traders is reliable.
Through the act, victims of “cyber violence” will be better protected with immediate takedowns. This includes non-consensual sharing, such as revenge porn.
Online platforms and search engines are now at risk of being fined up to 6% of their worldwide turnover, with the European Commission having exclusive power to demand compliance.
Under the new transparency obligations, the platforms will allow users to be informed about how content is recommended to them and to choose at least one option not based on profiling.
Targeted advertising based on sensitive data such as sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity is now banned.
Recipients of digital services will also have the right to seek compensation for any damages or losses suffered due to infringements by platforms.
PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba was one of the rapporteurs for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee who worked on the report for the Digital Services Act.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
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