Digital Services Act: European Commission designates first set of Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines

The European Commission adopted the first designation decisions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), designating 17 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and 2 Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that reach at least 45 million monthly active users. The countdown has started for them to fully comply with the special obligations that the Digital Services Act imposes on them (August, 25 2023). The EC considers that these platforms and search engines have become systemically relevant and have special responsibilities to make the Internet a safe and trustworthy space, namely on four points:

• Greater protection, control, and choice for their users: These very large platforms and search engines will have to address any risk they pose to society, including public health, and physical and mental well-being. Any type of advertising (be it display ads or search ads) based on sensitive data, for instance revealing racial or ethnic origin, or political opinions, will be banned.
• Stronger protection for minors online: The 19 systemic platforms and search engines will have to redesign their systems to ensure a high level of privacy, security, and safety for minors. They will need to include age verification and parental control tools. Any type of targeted advertising towards children will be prohibited.
• More diligent and trustworthy content moderation, less illegal content, and less disinformation online: Curbing the spread of illegal content, tackling disinformation, and protecting freedom of speech will no longer be just a civic responsibility, but a legal obligation. Very large online platforms and search engines will be obliged to adapt their recommender system to prevent algorithmic amplification of disinformation.
• More transparency and accountability: The shortlisted platforms and search engines will have to identify advertisements clearly and explain to their users why they are seeing an ad and who is promoting it. They will have to explain how their recommender systems work and what data they collect.