EU Ban on Animal-Tested Cosmetics: April 1, 2014
2014 · Brussels, Belgium
The European Union's ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals came into full effect, reinforcing the EU's commitment to animal welfare and ethical consumerism.
The Digital Services Act Agreement - June 21, 2022
On June 21, 2022, the European Union finalized an important legislative framework known as the Digital Services Act (DSA). This milestone aimed to regulate digital platforms more rigorously, specifically focusing on ‘Big Tech’ companies to enhance accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance within the EU’s digital marketplace.
Background
The DSA is part of a comprehensive legislative package introduced by the European Commission in December 2020. This initiative was driven by the need to update existing regulations, given the exponential growth of online platforms and the challenges they posed in terms of misinformation, market dominance, and consumer protection.
Key Provisions
Scope of Regulation: The DSA applies to various digital services, including social media platforms, online marketplaces, and other digital platforms used by Europeans, both within and outside the EU.
Transparency Requirements: Platforms must clearly disclose how their algorithms work, especially those affecting content moderation and advertising. This transparency is pivotal in ensuring users understand how information is prioritized and spread.
Accountability Measures: Companies are mandated to take stronger actions against illegal content and services provided through their platforms. This includes improved systems for reporting and taking down such content quickly and effectively.
User Protection: Users are given more control over how their data is used, with a requirement for platforms to provide users with options for advertising that do not rely on tracking or profiling.
Compliance and Enforcement: Large online platforms are subject to stricter obligations due to their impact on society and democracy. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines, up to 6% of the company’s global turnover.
Significance
This agreement was hailed as a critical step in asserting the EU’s role as a global digital regulator. It sought to create a safer and fairer digital space, curtail the power of dominant tech companies, and inspire similar regulatory actions beyond European borders. By working towards leveling the playing field, the DSA also aimed to foster innovation by providing smaller companies with a clearer framework in which to operate.
Aftermath
The DSA became a cornerstone of the EU’s digital strategy, influencing global discussions on the responsibilities of tech giants regarding user safety and market fairness. As companies adjusted to these new regulations, the legislation underscored an era of increased regulatory oversight in the digital economy.
In conclusion, the EU’s finalization of the Digital Services Act on June 21, 2022, represented a significant move towards redefining the landscape of internet governance, with the potential to shape digital policies worldwide.