The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a revolutionary piece of EU legislation aimed at creating a safer, fairer, and more transparent online environment. It applies to all online intermediaries in the EU and offers protection to users from illegal content and products while also safeguarding their rights when using online platforms to communicate, share information, or make purchases.
Under the DSA, all online platforms with users in the EU (excluding small businesses and micro-enterprises) must implement 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 users.
The Digital Services Coordinator and the Commission have direct supervisory and enforcement powers over very large online platforms and search engines. They can impose financial penalties of up to 6% of the service provider’s global turnover in serious cases. In extreme cases, platforms operating illegally may face temporary service suspension by judicial order.
The DSA’s enforcement mechanisms work to ensure compliance with the regulations and protect users from harmful content and practices online. The law aims to create a safer digital landscape for all citizens in the EU.