Two comprehensive legislative packages have been adopted by the EU, targeting major US tech giants such as Apple and Meta. These laws, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aim to limit the power of large corporations and give internet users greater control over their data.
DSA – Against Illegal Content and Disinformation
In September 2023, the Digital Services Act entered into force, with the aim of combating illegal content and disinformation online. The law makes it easier for consumers to report illegal content on platforms such as Facebook. Clara Ludvigsson, lawyer at The Swedish Internet Foundation, explains that platforms must have effective systems to handle notified content and take action quickly.
Måns Jonasson, internet expert at The Swedish Internet Foundation, stresses that although platforms use automated tools to review content, it is a challenge to ensure that no wrong decisions are made.
DMA – Increasing Competition in Digital Markets
The Digital Markets Act, adopted in March 2024, aims to foster competition in the Digital Single Market. The law identifies large companies as “gatekeepers” influencing the market, including Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft. These companies must now follow strict rules to avoid favouring their own services over those of their competitors.
For example, Spotify has long fought Apple, which prevented them from competing on an equal footing on the iOS platform. DMA now prohibits Apple from preventing companies from linking to their own websites from apps.
Advertising and Dark Patterns
The DSA also regulates how advertising is directed at users and prohibits the use of “dark patterns” – techniques that make it difficult for users to make informed choices. Måns Jonasson points out that this is a positive development that increases transparency about how data is used to target ads.
The Future Effects
Despite the new laws, most internet users have yet to notice major changes. In the coming years, however, we can expect more app stores and more choices for browsers and map services. However, Måns Jonasson warns that this could make internet use more complicated.
The EU’s new legislative package shows that it wants to take a leading role in regulating technology giants and protecting users’ privacy, but exactly how much it will change our everyday lives remains to be seen.
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Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
