Digital Services Act

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a legislation adopted by the European Union to modernise the rules governing digital services and enhance the responsibility of online platforms.

This legislation creates a much safer and more transparent online environment for consumers.

What are the key measures of the DSA?

• Enhanced Platform Oversight: The DSA imposes stricter rules for online platforms, particularly regarding algorithms. Large platforms must explain how their algorithms work, thus providing transparency on how content is recommended or filtered. The DSA aims to make online platforms more accountable for their content, particularly in the fight against misinformation, illegal content, and hate speech. It introduces due diligence obligations to prevent and limit the dissemination of illegal content.
• Better Consumer Protection: The DSA provides users with better online protection. It requires platforms to implement systems for reporting and quickly removing illegal content. Additionally, platforms must clearly indicate when content is an advertisement, ensuring complete transparency for consumers. By strengthening users' online rights, the DSA aims to ensure a high level of consumer protection, particularly regarding transparency in data collection practices and targeted advertising.
• Complaint Management System: Users will have access to an effective system for filing complaints if their rights are violated. This includes the ability to contest content moderation decisions made by platforms.
• Extended Protection to Non-EU Businesses: The DSA applies not only to companies based in the EU but also to those with significant activities in Europe, even if they are based outside the EU. This ensures that all companies operating in the European market adhere to the same high standards of consumer protection.
• Impact on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs): Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), which include the largest digital platforms, are subject to even stricter rules.
  The European Commission publishes a list of VLOPs, which must:
  • Assess and mitigate systemic risks related to their services.
  • Submit annual reports on measures taken to comply with the DSA.
  • Collaborate with authorities to ensure user safety and protection.

What are the implications and impact of the DSA?

The Digital Services Act will have significant repercussions on the European digital ecosystem and beyond. Online platforms will have to comply with stricter standards regarding security, data protection, and combating misinformation. Users will benefit from greater transparency and better protection.

Ultimately, the Digital Services Act represents an important step in regulating the digital economy, aiming to create a safer, fairer, and more transparent Internet for all users. By establishing these new rules, the Digital Services Act aims to create a digital environment where consumers can navigate safely and confidently. The regulation also protects businesses, ensuring fair competition and increased transparency, regardless of their headquarters location. The DSA represents a major advancement for a safer, more transparent, and fairer Internet for all.

DSA Coordination Authority in Luxembourg

To ensure the proper application of the new rules, the DSA requires each EU member country to designate a coordination authority. In Luxembourg, the “Autorité de la concurrence” will take on this role and will be in charge of monitoring the compliance of Luxembourgish platforms with the DSA.