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.
The Digital Services Act Regulation 2022 (EU) 2022/2065 ("DSA") is a regulation in 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.
European Union regulation | |
Text with EEA relevance | |
Title | Regulation on a Single Market For Digital Services |
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Made by | European Parliament and Council of the European Union |
Journal reference | OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1–102 |
History | |
Date made | 19 October 2022 |
Preparative texts | |
Commission proposal | COM/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.