The social media platform X, Facebook, Tiktok and several Google services face fines in the future if they do not take stronger action against illegal content. As of this Friday, certain rules will be legally enforceable for 19 very large online platforms and search engines in the EU. For example, companies must remove child pornography or terror propaganda faster than before.
In turn, it will be easier for users to report such content. Online marketplaces like Amazon are now obliged to remove counterfeit products or dangerous toys as much as possible and to warn shoppers. In addition, the corporations must report regularly to the EU Commission to what extent their platforms endanger mental health or freedom of expression.
The background is the new EU law on digital services (Digital Service Act, DSA). For very large platforms and search engines with more than 45 million active users per month, it provides for very strict requirements. Because from the point of view of the EU, they pose a particularly great risk to society. If the corporations do not comply with the requirements, they face a fine of up to six percent of global annual sales.
The 19 platforms and search engines initially affected include the aforementioned Zalando, Wikipedia, Booking.com, the Amazon Marketplace and the Apple Appstore, as well as Alibaba AliExpress, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Shopping, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, Youtube and the search engines from Google and Bing. In a few months, the rules will also apply to smaller companies that fall under the law. (dpa)
