Empowering Consumers and SMEs: The EU’s Digital Services Regulation Takes on Global Giants

The EU’s Digital Services Regulation (DSA) has brought new rights and protections for consumers and companies in relation to global digital giants. In effect since February, the regulation aims to promote the reliability of online services, protect fundamental rights on social media, increase transparency in advertising and algorithms, and more. This new regulation gives more power to SMEs in the service sector, as well as to every consumer.

Under the DSA, if a service closes your account or removes your content without reason, you have the right to know why and to make a complaint. If the issue is not resolved with the platform, you can contact the communications authority Traficomin. Platforms now have greater responsibilities to control illegal or harmful content, protect basic rights, and ensure the safety of minors. Consumers and companies can report violations directly to the platform, and if necessary, to the authorities.

The DSA applies broadly to online platforms, internet providers, and cloud services, with stricter obligations for the 24 largest platforms and search engines. Companies like Tiktok, Facebook, Google, Amazon, and others face increased scrutiny and potential investigations for their activities. The effectiveness of the regulation depends on consumer and business awareness and action, as well as the oversight of supervisory authorities.

In addition to regulatory changes