Digital Services Act enters into force
On 17 February 2024, a further part of the Digital Services Act came into force. While some regulations have already applied to 19 very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs)s since 2023, they now apply to all platforms and hosting services. Corresponding services will soon have to take various user protection measures, including i) combating illegal content, ii) protecting minors, iii) informing users about the advertising displayed to them, iv) preventing advertising that is based on sensitive user data and v) making it easier to submit complaints and contact users as the EU Commission communicated.
Platforms not designated as VLOPs or VLOSEs will be supervised at EU Member State level by an independent regulator acting as the national Digital Services Coordinator (DSC). It will be the responsibility of the DSCs to ensure that these platforms play by the rules. DSCs will supervise and enforce the DSA for the platforms established on their territory.
In its press release, the EU Commission also communicated that it intends to adopt Guidelines on risk mitigation measures for electoral processes in March 2024. Furthermore, the EU Commission expects a public consultation on the data access delegated act in April 2024 with adoption by July 2024 and entry into force in October 2024. In May 2024, the EU Commission plans to adopt an Implementing Act on transparency report templates. Finally, the EU Commission made more details accessible online.