Tougher EU rules for Facebook, TikTok and Co.

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 today, certain rules are legally enforceable for 19 very large online platforms and search engines in the EU. For example, the companies will have to remove child pornography or terrorist propaganda more quickly than before.

In turn, it will be easier for users to report such content. Online marketplaces such as Amazon are now obliged to remove counterfeit products or dangerous toys as best they can and warn buyers. 

In addition, the corporations must regularly report to the EU Commission on the extent to which their platforms pose a threat to mental health or freedom of expression, for example.

The background is the new EU Digital Service Act (DSA). It lays down very strict requirements for very large platforms and search engines with more than 45 million active users per month.

In the EU's view, they pose a particularly high risk to society. If the companies fail to comply with the regulations, they could face a fine of up to six percent of their annual global turnover.

The 19 platforms and search engines initially affected include Zalando, Wikipedia, Booking.com, the Amazon Marketplace and Apple's App Store, as well as Alibaba AliExpress, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Shopping, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, and the Google and Bing search engines, in addition to those already mentioned. In a few months, the rules will also apply to smaller companies covered by the law.

Source: www.telecom-handel.de