The European Commission introduced on April 23 a law called the "Digital Services Act" that will regulate digital services in the European Union.

After several months of negotiations, the European Union countries have agreed to implement a new legislation : the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation aims to create a secure digital space where the fundamental rights of users will be protected and to promote healthy competition between companies on the Internet.

What digital services are included in the DSA?

Broadly speaking, these are the online services offered by websites, internet infrastructure services and online platforms (social networks, virtual marketplaces, travel and accommodation platforms, etc.).

Why do these digital services need to be regulated?

The massive development of digital services has a strong impact on our lives through new ways of communicating, shopping or accessing information. As these digital uses are constantly evolving, it is necessary to act so that legislation evolves with them.

In addition, certain abuses observed on social networks have had dramatic consequences, such as the assassination of history-geography teacher Samuel Paty in France in October 2020 and the assault of demonstrators on Capitol Hill (United States) on January 6, 2021. They would have been planned on Facebook and Twitter.

Clearly, the management of online content is crucial for the people and companies that manage it. It is a matter of requiring the major platforms considered today as "content hosts" to remove any content deemed illegal, to suspend users who frequently violate the rules, while preserving freedom of expression and access to information.

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Vanessa Ntoh