DSA : Digital Service Act
The Digital Services Act (DSA): A Major Step Towards a Safer Internet in Europe
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a major step forward in ensuring a safer internet in Europe. It imposes obligations on platforms regarding content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and user protection. It also regulates targeted advertising and strengthens the accountability of digital giants. In case of non-compliance, sanctions of up to 6% of global turnover may be imposed. Supervised by the European Commission and Arcom in France, this regulation embodies the EU’s ambition for digital sovereignty and risk control related to AI and social media.
Objectives of the DSA
The DSA enforces the principle that what is illegal offline must also be illegal online. Its main objectives include:
1. Protecting European Internet Users
- Guaranteeing fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and consumer protection.
2. Making Platforms Accountable
- Combating the spread of illegal or harmful content, such as hate speech, disinformation, and counterfeit product sales.
3. Strengthening Democratic Oversight
- Increasing supervision of very large platforms to mitigate systemic risks, including information manipulation.
Who is Affected?
The DSA applies to all online intermediaries offering services on the European market, whether based in the EU or elsewhere. This includes:
✅ Internet service providers
✅ Cloud computing services
✅ Online platforms, such as marketplaces, app stores, social media, and content-sharing platforms
✅ Very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines with over 45 million monthly European users, designated by the European Commission
⚠️ Very small platforms (fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover below €10 million) are exempt from most DSA obligations.
Key Measures of the DSA
🔹 Combating Illegal Content
- Platforms must implement tools allowing users to easily report illegal content.
- They must cooperate with “trusted flaggers”, who are given priority in handling reports.
🔹 Transparency
- Platforms must explain how their recommendation and moderation algorithms work.
- Users must have access to a complaint-handling system.
🔹 Targeted Advertising Regulations
- Ban on targeted ads based on sensitive data (e.g., political opinions, religion, sexual orientation) without explicit consent.
- Prohibition of targeted advertising for minors.
🔹 Risk Mitigation
- Very large platforms must conduct annual risk assessments related to their services (disinformation, fundamental rights violations) and implement measures to mitigate these risks.
Supervision & Sanctions
Each EU member state appoints a “Digital Services Coordinator” to ensure DSA compliance at the national level.
- In France, Arcom is responsible for enforcement.
- Very large platforms are directly supervised by the European Commission.
🚨 Non-Compliance Consequences
- Companies violating the DSA can face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover.
- Severe and repeated violations may lead to platforms being banned from the European market.
A Major Step in Digital Regulation
The DSA marks a significant milestone in European digital regulation, aiming to create a safer, more transparent, and user-rights-friendly online space.
