[page updated February 25, 2025]
Used daily by millions of European Internet users, online platforms, search engines and social networks are formidable spaces for freedom of expression, information and entertainment. These freedoms must go hand in hand with a solid relationship of trust with European citizens, and respect for the fundamental rights guaranteed by our democracies.
The new Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate the activities of platforms. The aim is to make digital players more responsible for fighting the spread of unlawful and harmful content on their services.
Following on from the European legislative process initiated in 2022, the very large platforms, social networks and search engines must put in place, from August 25, 2023, concrete measures to protect users, particularly person under 18s, from the manipulation of information, the sale of illegal products or online hatred.
5 facts to remember about the Digital Services Regulation (DSR)
The legislative text of the RSN proposed by the European Commission - which goes hand in hand with the Digital Market Act (DMA)- was presented to the European Parliament in January 2022 and published in October 2022.
The obligations set out in this text came into full effect on February 17, 2024. Very large online platforms have been concerned since August 25, 2023.
Objective
The aim of the Digital Services Regulation is to build a single, harmonized digital space on a European scale. A regulation space for online content platforms that both protects the public and respects individual freedoms.
The regulation on digital services therefore lays down a set of rules requiring platforms to put in place tools to limit the presence and proliferation of unlawful content. This means, among other things
Legal sanctions
In the event of non-compliance with these obligations, the European Commission can impose penalty notices of up to 6% of global sales on very large digital players. Other platforms may also be subject to legal sanctions in their Member State of establishment.
Download the official text below
August 25, 2023 marks the first phase in the practical application of the Digital Services Regulation. The very large platforms designated by the European Commission must, for example :
As of February 17, 2024, the regulation applies to all online platforms, regardless of size.
The regulation applies to all intermediary service providers, including online platforms. Those with the most users were designated by the European Commission on April 25, 2023, as "very large online platforms" or "very large online search engines" on the basis of the user data they were required to publish.
23 platforms and 2 search engines, with at least 45 million monthly active users, are concerned:
Online platforms :
Alibaba AliExpress; Amazon Store; Apple AppStore; Booking.com; Facebook; Google Play; Google Maps; Google Shopping; Instagram; LinkedIn; Pinterest; Pornhub; Shein; Snapchat; Stripchat; TikTok; Temu; X (formerly Twitter); Wikipedia; YouTube; XNXX; Xvideos; Zalando.
Search engines :
Other online platforms with fewer users have been subject to the regulation since February 17, 2024: Dailymotion, BeReal, Meetic, LeBonCoin, etc.
The regulation on digital services invites citizens to become players in this new regulation.
Every European Internet user will have the opportunity, via the tools put in place by platforms, to more easily report content that he or she considers to be in breach of the law.
Associations, entities, organizations and individuals recognized for their expertise and skills (child protection, fighting cyber-bullying, etc.) are invited to apply for "trusted flaggers" status. In cooperation with the platforms, they are given simplified access to the platforms, and their reports of unlawful content are given priority treatment by the platforms.
The law aimed at securing and regulating the digital space was promulgated on May 21, 2024. It entrusts Arcom with the role of "coordinator for digital services" (CSN).
Together with its European counterparts, the Autorité participates in the supervision of the obligations of players regulated by the European Commission. At the national level, in conjunction with the French national data protection agency (CNIL) and the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), Arcom is responsible for regulating digital services established in France.
Entry into force of the RSN: a major step towards a safer Internet in Europe