One Year of the Digital Services Act: Key Changes and Impact
A year after the full implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) on February 17, 2024, we review its impact on digital platforms, search engines, and users. The DSA was introduced to regulate online content, combat disinformation, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure transparency in digital services.
Key measures implemented include:
- Illegal Content Reporting: Platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok now provide mechanisms for users to report illegal content.
- Content Moderation Transparency: VLOPs must justify content removal decisions and disclose moderation policies through the DSA transparency database.
- Personalized Content & Ads Control: Users can opt out of personalized recommendations, and platforms must maintain ad repositories.
- Ban on Targeted Ads for Minors: Platforms like Google, YouTube, and Instagram have stopped serving personalized ads to underage users.
- Child Protection Features: Platforms implement age verification, parental controls, and stricter privacy settings for minors.
- Election Integrity Measures: Platforms now mitigate election-related risks, improving response times to disinformation.
- Online Marketplace Oversight: Marketplaces must verify seller identities and notify users about illegal product sales.
While the DSA has made significant strides in user protection, ongoing monitoring will determine its long-term effectiveness in regulating digital spaces.
Access the full article here: pdf.
