The European Digital Services Act (DSA) entered into force today, with a focus on protecting online users and enforcing the removal of harmful and illegal content that violates the platform's terms of service.
Initially, the law will apply to the largest platform, aiming to protect fundamental human rights such as privacy and freedom of speech, according to AP.
So far, eight social media platforms have been included: Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat, as well as online retail platforms Amazon, Booking.com, Chinese AliExpress, and German Zalando.
The law also extends to mobile application stores Google Play and Apple's App Store, Google search, Google Maps, Microsoft's Bing search engine, and Wikipedia.
The EU list is based on data provided by the platforms. One with 45 million or more users – or 10% of the EU population – will face the highest level of DSA regulation.
However, Brussels insiders have pointed out some significant omissions, such as eBay, Airbnb, Netflix, and even Pornhub. The list is not final, and it is possible that other platforms may be subsequently included, as reported by b92.
Every company providing digital services to Europeans will eventually have to comply with the Digital Services Act, but unlike the largest platforms, they will have fewer obligations.
The platform has introduced new easy ways to report illegal online content, which companies will be required to promptly and objectively remove.
TikTok has provided users with an additional option to flag videos, such as hate speech, harassment, or fraud, which will be reviewed by an additional team of experts, according to the application of the Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
The DSA also prohibits targeting vulnerable categories of people, including children, based on their online activities.
For violating the provisions of this law, technology companies may face fines of up to 6% of their revenue, which could amount to billions, or even a ban on operating in the European Union.
