Bilgesu Erdem
In a significant move, the European Union is escalating its oversight of the digital realm, focusing sharply on the protection of minors. This action embodies the EU’s commitment to enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), a robust framework aimed at regulating online platforms’ content and advertising practices, especially concerning children.
The European Commission has recently turned its attention to Alphabet’s YouTube and TikTok. These tech behemoths face a November 30 deadline to furnish detailed information on their compliance with the DSA. The EU’s inquiry centers on the platforms’ efforts to shield minors from harmful and illegal content. The absence of specific violations cited by the Commission doesn’t lessen the gravity of this request. Rather, it underlines the EU’s proactive approach to digital governance.
This move comes in the wake of the Commission’s earlier interactions with TikTok and Meta (formerly Twitter), concerning their handling of content related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues of child safety. The European Commission, led by industry chief Thierry Breton, has been assertive in reminding these companies of their obligations under the DSA, particularly in protecting younger users.
Digital Services Act: A New Era of Accountability
The DSA is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that establishes a governance framework for digital platforms. This includes mandates for platforms to promptly address reports of illegal content and responsibly manage algorithm-driven features like recommendation engines. Larger platforms face additional responsibilities, including conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigations for children’s safety.
One of the critical elements of the DSA is its explicit prohibition of targeted advertising at minors, reflecting the EU’s heightened sensitivity to the vulnerabilities of younger internet users. Non-compliance with these regulations carries the risk of hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to 6% of global annual turnover.
Enforcement and Compliance
While the EU has yet to initiate formal investigations under the DSA, the flurry of information requests to major online platforms suggests an impending tightening of regulatory control. This proactive stance is expected to extend beyond the major tech giants to smaller digital services, with Member State level bodies being called upon to assist in DSA oversight starting next year.
TikTok’s response to the Commission’s inquiries indicates a willingness to engage and comply with these new regulations. The company’s CEO has had positive discussions with the European Commission, acknowledging the importance of aligning with the DSA to ensure the safety of its users.
The European Union’s latest actions illustrate a significant shift towards stricter online governance, with a particular emphasis on protecting younger audiences. This comprehensive approach, embodied by the DSA, sets a new standard in digital regulation, balancing the need for innovation with societal responsibilities. As these tech giants work towards compliance, their responses and adaptations will likely shape the future landscape of digital content and advertising, setting a precedent for other regions to follow. The EU’s steadfast commitment to enforcing the DSA may serve as a blueprint for global digital governance, particularly in safeguarding the well-being of the most vulnerable internet users.
