EU Reaches Agreement On Digital Services Act
The law regulates the handling of illegal content and the protection of fundamental rights on the Internet. It applies primarily to major online platforms such as search engines, app stores and social media.
On Saturday, the EU Parliament and EU member states agreed on a draft for the so-called Digital Services Act (DSA). The law, proposed by the EU Commission in December 2020, aims to regulate the responsibilities of large online platforms for illegal and harmful content and better protect internet users from fraud and hate comments.
“Today’s agreement on the bill with regards to the Digital Services Act is historic, both in terms of speed and content. The DSA will improve the basic rules for all online services in the EU. It will ensure that the online environment remains a safe space that protects freedom of expression and opportunities for digital businesses,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She said the law puts into practice the principle that what is illegal offline should also be illegal online.
Among other things, the law stipulates that illegal content must be deleted more quickly than before. But it also contains rules designed to provide comprehensive protection of users’ fundamental rights online.
DSA regulates online marketplaces and social media
Among other things, the law applies to search engines that serve more than 10 percent of EU consumers and to platforms that bring sellers and consumers together. The EU Commission cites online marketplaces, app stores and social media platforms as examples. Online platforms must also reach more than 10 percent of the EU population.
The bill must now be officially confirmed by the EU Parliament and the member states. It will then come into force after 15 months or on January 1, 2024 - whichever comes later. For very large online platforms, the new rules are to apply earlier.
The DSA is one of two pillars of a comprehensive overhaul of tech regulation that the EU unveiled in draft form in December 2020. The other pillar, the Digital Markets Act, was provisionally approved last month and aims to address issues such as anti-competitive behaviour.
