In an effort to restore trust and safety in their platforms, EU industry chief Thierry Breton has called on tech giants such as Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Twitter, TikTok, and others to use the EU online content rules that apply to them starting this Friday. These rules, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), require the companies to perform risk management, conduct external and independent auditing, share data with authorities and researchers, and adopt a code of conduct.
Due to their large user bases of over 45 million users, these companies, including Booking.com, Pinterest, Snap Inc’s Snapchat, Wikipedia, Zalando, and Alibaba’s AliExpress, are subject to more onerous obligations than others.
By this Friday, the very large online platforms and search engines are required to provide their first annual risk assessment to the European Commission. Breton emphasized that complying with the DSA is not a punishment, but an opportunity for these platforms to strengthen their brand value and reputation as trustworthy sites.
Child protection and the fight against disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will be enforcement priorities, especially during the upcoming period of elections in Europe.
In addition to promoting transparency on algorithmic processes, bots, and targeted advertisements that amplify content, the DSA compels these companies to do more to address the sale of illegal, unsafe, or counterfeit products on their platforms.
Breton, who has the authority to impose fines up to 6% of a company’s global turnover for violations, emphasized his commitment to enforcing the DSA and using the new powers to investigate and sanction platforms where necessary.
Foo Yun Chee, reporting on the matter, says the DSA represents an opportunity for tech giants to enhance their practices and restore trust and safety on their platforms, while Chizu Nomiyama handles the editing.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
