The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European law that has been in force throughout the EU since February 2024. Its aim is to create a safer digital space in which users’ fundamental rights are protected. The law is aimed at platforms that offer their services in the European single market, regardless of where they are based. It aims to prevent the dissemination of illegal content, protect freedom of expression, and safeguard the integrity of elections, among other things.
The objectives of the Digital Services Act
The DSA obliges digital platforms to remove c level contact list illegal content and take preventive measures to minimize the spread of such content. The principle applies: what is illegal offline is also illegal online. However, the law itself does not define what is illegal. These definitions derive from existing national or EU-wide laws.
In addition, risks arising from the platforms’ services must be assessed. This includes, for example, disinformation or threats to minors. Special obligations apply to very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs).
Who does the DSA apply to?
The Digital Services Act affects all platforms in the optimizing e-commerce seo is a sustainable way to European single market. Large providers such as Meta and X are particularly subject to stricter regulations. Among other things, they must prepare annual reports on the risks posed by their services and outline risk mitigation measures.
Measures to safeguard freedom of expression
A central task of the DSA is the protection whatsapp database philippines of freedom of expression. Platforms are prohibited from arbitrarily removing lawful content. Users are provided with a transparent complaints system through which they can challenge decisions regarding account suspensions or restrictions. The practice of “shadow banning” is also subject to clear transparency rules.
