The European Union’s comprehensive Digital Services Act (DSA) is compelling over a dozen of the world’s largest tech companies to adhere to new regulations regarding content moderation, user privacy, and transparency. Among the tech giants facing these stringent obligations are Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and various Google services.
The DSA, now in effect, requires major online platforms with over 45 million users in the EU to prevent the spread of harmful content, curtail specific user-targeting practices, and share certain internal data with regulators and researchers. Those failing to meet the DSA standards could incur fines up to 6% of their global turnover, or even be prohibited from operating in Europe for repeat violations.
DSA currently applies to 19 of the largest online platforms
While the companies designated under the DSA have made public statements about their compliance, questions have arisen regarding the extent of their efforts to align with lawmakers’ expectations. Some of the firms have even contested their inclusion on the list.
Research by the nonprofit Eko revealed that Facebook was still approving online ads containing harmful content. Facebook’s approval of such ads highlights the ongoing challenge of effectively moderating content on these platforms.
Although the DSA currently applies to 19 of the largest online platforms, its scope will broaden in mid-February to encompass a range of online platforms, regardless of size.
Legal experts predict that platforms might resist changes that encroach on their core business models and anticipate that ironing out these obligations will be a challenging task for platforms with extensive user bases.