We all know that since the pandemic broke out, the digital world has made huge progresses and has now become an integral part of everyone’s life. It’s important to remind us that the digital world really exists, so there must be rules that have to be respected, just like in the real world. Often most of the people have the perception that what’s digital is so far from reality, probably because it’s not very tangible. This leads many people to feel free to do whatever they want but it doesn’t work like that! Every action we carry out on the web has consequences.
A few days ago, the new Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) were passed, But what does that mean? These new rules have been established to combat hate and especially misinformation. (Deadly weapons!) How often do we see comments full of naughtiness and fake news? I would say too often. These rules will also help e-commerce defend themselves against counterfeiting. In short, the final goal is to try to create a safer and more serene online environment! Easy to say… A little harder to do!
Let’s see them. Stricter measures against illegal content and platform’s obligation to react. More controls and traceability on traders. More transparency and accountability on online platforms regarding content and algorithms. Prohibition of misleading practices and certain types of targeted advertising.
For bigger platforms, they will no longer be able to prevent the user from easily uninstalling their app or software and they will not be able to use personal data for advertising purposes, unless they have consent of course. Instead, they will have to give commercial users the opportunity to access the created data.
Now, online companies will have to adapt to these new conditions within at least 15 months. What if these rules are not respected? The Commission may impose a penalty from 10 % to 20 % of the total business worldwide turnover of the previous financial year.
