The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union regulation that aims to ensure a safe and accountable online environment. It specifically regulates online intermediaries and platforms, including marketplaces, social networks, content-sharing platforms, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms. The key goals of the DSA include:
- User Protection:
- Strengthening fundamental rights online.
- Providing more control and choice for users.
- Enhancing protection for children online.
- Reducing exposure to illegal content.
- Platform Accountability:
- Establishing a single set of rules across the EU.
- Facilitating startups and scale-ups in Europe.
- Creating a level playing field against providers of illegal content.
- Coverage:
- The DSA applies to all online intermediaries offering services in the single market, whether established in the EU or outside.
- Very large online platforms and search engines (reaching over 10% of 450 million EU consumers) have specific obligations.
Here’s a summary of the recent investigations into Meta (formerly Facebook) over DSA compliance:
- Child Safety Measures Investigation:
- The European Union (EU) has opened fresh investigations into Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta Platforms.
- The focus is on whether these platforms are failing to protect children online, violating the EU’s strict digital regulations for social media.
- Concerns include the algorithmic systems used by Facebook and Instagram, which could exploit children’s vulnerabilities and lead to addictive behavior.
- The investigation also examines Meta’s age verification tools and compliance with DSA rules regarding privacy, safety, and security for minors.
- Deceptive Advertising and Political Content Investigation:
- The EU Commission has initiated formal proceedings to assess whether Meta breached the DSA.
- Suspected infringements cover Meta’s policies related to deceptive advertising and political content on Facebook and Instagram.
- Minors’ Protection Investigation:
- Meta’s platforms are subject to two more DSA investigations to check their measures for protecting minors online.
- The European Commission aims to ensure compliance with DSA obligations, especially regarding risks posed by platform design and content exposure to young users.
In summary, Meta is under scrutiny for its handling of child safety, deceptive content, and compliance with DSA regulations. The EU seeks to create a safer digital space for all users.
