Consumers and companies now have more rights and power in relation to global digital giants, thanks to the EU’s Digital Services Regulation (DSA) that came into force in February. The regulation aims to promote the reliability of online services, protect fundamental rights on social media, and increase transparency in advertising and algorithms. This gives more power to SMEs in the service sector and every consumer, allowing them to have more control over their accounts and content on online platforms.
Since February, users have the right to know why their account was closed or content removed, and can file complaints if necessary. Online platforms have greater obligations to control and monitor content to ensure it is legal and respectful of basic rights. Consumers and companies can report illegal or harmful content directly to the platform, and if the issue is not resolved, they can turn to the authorities for help.
The regulation applies broadly to all online platforms, internet providers, and cloud services, with stricter obligations for 24 very large online platforms and search engines. These major platforms are being closely monitored by authorities to ensure compliance with the new regulations. However, the effectiveness of the regulation relies on consumer and company participation in reporting and addressing issues.
Issues such as disinformation, e-commerce scams, and addictive content have plagued social media and the internet for years. With the new rights and responsibilities outlined in the DSA, users now have more power to address these problems and hold online platforms accountable. As consumers and companies continue to navigate the digital landscape, their awareness and actions will shape the impact of the regulation on the online world.