The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is a revolutionary piece of legislation designed to create a safer, fairer, and more transparent online environment. It applies to all online intermediaries operating within the EU and offers protection to users from illegal content and products while also safeguarding their rights when using online platforms for communication, information sharing, or purchasing goods.
Under the DSA, all online platforms with users in the EU (excluding small businesses and micro-enterprises) are required to take measures to combat illegal content, protect minors, inform users about advertisements, prohibit targeted ads based on sensitive data, explain content moderation decisions, and provide users with a complaints mechanism. These platforms must also publish annual reports on their content moderation procedures and clearly define terms and conditions for their users.
The Commission has direct supervisory and enforcement powers over very large online platforms and search engines. In serious cases, they can impose financial penalties of up to 6% of the service provider’s global turnover. Additionally, the Digital Services Coordinator and the Commission can require immediate actions to address harm and platforms can make commitments to remedy shortcomings. In extreme cases, platforms that operate illegally may face temporary service suspension by judicial order.
The DSA’s enforcement mechanisms ensure compliance with regulations while protecting users from harmful content practices online.