Digital Services Act

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The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a proposed legislative package from the European Union, aimed at updating the legal framework for managing illegal content online and harmonizing national laws across EU member states. The DSA’s primary focus is on ensuring transparency in advertising[2], curbing disinformation[1], and addressing the issue of illegal content. It outlines requirements for online platforms to be transparent, introduces measures to combat illegal content, and emphasizes enhanced user protection. The DSA also holds online intermediaries accountable for their actions and encourages cooperation between these entities and authorities. The goal of the DSA is to mitigate the control of digital gatekeepers, such as Google[3] and Meta, and create a more regulated digital environment. The Act also advocates for intra-EU data sharing, further promoting a single market for data within Europe. The DSA is considered a significant move in the regulation of Big Tech companies, and its implementation may influence international digital regulations.

Terms definitions
1. disinformation. Disinformation is a complex concept with roots tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European language family. It refers to the intentional spreading of false or misleading information, often for political or social influence. This phenomenon became widespread in the 1980s and has been a subject of extensive research to understand its origins, methods, and impacts. Disinformation is often used in deception campaigns on social media and is distinct from misinformation and malinformation. It's common in political arenas, where it can confuse citizens and discourage their engagement. Disinformation has global implications, being used by governments, NGOs, and businesses worldwide. It can undermine election security and create societal divisions. Various countermeasures have been initiated by organizations like NATO and the EU to address this issue. The study of disinformation also extends to ethical considerations and its role in warfare. Despite these efforts, disinformation remains a challenging issue due to its widespread prevalence and the difficulty in assessing its true impact.
2. advertising. Advertising is a form of communication used to inform or persuade an audience, often with the goal of selling a product or service. Its history dates back to ancient civilizations, where Egyptians used papyrus for sales messages, and wall paintings were used in ancient Asia, Africa, and South America for promotional purposes. The medium evolved over time, from print in newspapers to audio-visual and digital mediums, with the rise of mass media and technological advancements. Advertising strategies can vary, aiming to raise awareness or drive sales, and can target different audiences on a local, national, or global scale. Various methods include print, radio, web banners, and television ads, among others. New trends have emerged in the advertising business models, like guerrilla marketing and interactive ads. The role of women in advertising has also been notable, with their insights being valued due to their purchasing power.

The Digital Services Act Regulation 2022 (EU) 2022/2065 ("DSA") is a regulation at EU law to update the Electronic Commerce Directive 2000 regarding illegal content, transparent advertising, and disinformation. It was submitted along with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on 15 December 2020. The DSA was prepared by the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager and by the European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, as members of the Von der Leyen Commission.

Regulation (EU) 2022/2065
European Union regulation
Text with EEA relevance
TitleRegulation on a Single Market For Digital Services
Made byEuropean Parliament and Council of the European Union
Journal referenceOJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1–102
History
Date made19 October 2022
Preparative texts
Commission proposalCOM/2020/825 final
Current legislation

On 22 April 2022, European policymakers reached an agreement on the Digital Services Act. The European Parliament approved the DSA along with the Digital Markets Act on 5 July 2022. On 4 October 2022, the European Council gave its final approval to the Regulation on a Digital Services Act. It was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 October 2022. Affected service providers had until 1 January 2024 to comply with its provisions. Popular online platforms and search engines need to comply with their obligations four months after they have been designated as such by the EU Commission.

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