On April 23, 2022, the EU institutions agreed on the final version of the so-called Digital Services Act, which provides for new and, above all, stricter rules, especially for large tech companies, in dealing with hate speech and disinformation.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a comprehensive set of rules for online platforms and Internet corporations such as Google, Meta and Amazon, which is also referred to as the “first fundamental law for the Internet.” The Digital Services Act is intended to change the online world for the better and regulate the independence and power of large corporations.
Stricter rules are to apply to the digital giants
Large internet corporations are to be held more accountable, especially when it comes to combating hate online and stopping the spread of disinformation.
E.g., procedures for reporting and immediately removing illegal content are to be standardized across Europe in the future. In addition, there are additional diligence requirements for very large online platforms. DSA is forcing tech companies to make it easier for users to flag problems, to ban online ads that are aimed at kids and to empower regulators in order to punish noncompliance with high fines.
Following the agreement on the legislative package in April, the next step is to adopt the final text. After a short transition period, the regulation will apply directly in all EU countries – and hopefully contribute to a better, safer and more respectful online experience for everybody.
Sources:
https://digitalservicesact.eu/
https://www.npr.org/2022/04/23/1094485542/eu-law-big-tech-hate-speech-disinformation
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/suche/eu-regeln-online-plattformen-1829232
