STRASBOURG - Green light
from the European Parliament to the Digital Services Act (DSA)
, the EU bill that imposes greater responsibility on the control and moderation of content on large online platforms such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon.
The text was approved in plenary assembly with 530 votes in favor, 78 against and 80 abstentions.
Among the main measures licensed by MEPs are the
direct removal of illegal or harmful content, legal liability for Big Tech
to users, more options to deny consent to targeted advertising, and greater transparency on algorithms.
The digital services law proposal, put forward by the European Commission in December 2020, defines clear competences and responsibilities for online platforms such as sales and social media. As approved by the deputies, the DSA establishes a
mechanism of "notification and action" and guarantees for the removal "without undue delay" of illegal products, services or content online
. MEPs then included stricter safeguards to ensure that notifications are treated in a non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory way and in compliance with fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
Over the past twenty years, "online platforms have become increasingly important in our daily lives, bringing new opportunities, but also new risks. It is our duty to make sure that
what is illegal offline is illegal online
. We must make sure that we enforce digital rules. for the benefit of consumers and citizens, "Socialist MEP Christel Schaldemose, head of the dossier for the EU Parliament, said after the vote.
Very large platforms will be subject to specific obligations
on the dissemination of illegal and harmful content and disinformation, including provisions on mandatory risk assessments, risk mitigation measures, independent audits and transparency of so-called "recommendation systems" ( algorithms that determine what users see).
Compared to the original text put forward by Brussels, MEPs have introduced the
exemption from certain obligations for micro and small enterprises, strengthened the measures on targeted advertising
with more options for users who want to refuse or withdraw their consent.
Furthermore, targeting techniques aimed at minors
or targeting vulnerable groups and deceptive or nudging techniques to influence user behavior through 'hidden models' are prohibited.
Also provided for
greater transparency in the use of algorithms and the right to compensation on the part of users
.
Among the amendments approved, there is also the commitment for Big Tech to respect freedom of expression and media pluralism.
The green light opens the way to negotiate the final text of the law with the EU Council, which represents the member countries.
