Starting Friday, Europeans will witness a significant shift in their online experience as the European Union (EU) introduces new digital regulations that will impact big tech companies. These regulations, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), aim to protect European users by addressing privacy concerns, ensuring transparency, and removing harmful or illegal content.
Here are five notable changes that users will experience as a result of the EU’s new regulations:
1. Turning off AI-recommended videos: Users now have the option to disable automated recommendation systems that determine the content shown in their feeds. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, allows users to opt out of its artificial intelligence ranking and recommendation systems. Similarly, TikTok will serve up popular videos from users’ areas and around the world instead of showing content based on users’ previous views. Snapchat also provides users with the ability to opt out of a personalized content experience.
2. Easier reporting of harmful content: Reporting posts, videos, or comments that violate the law or platform rules is now simpler. TikTok has introduced an additional reporting option for users to flag illegal content, such as hate speech, harassment, misinformation, or fraud. Facebook and Instagram have also enhanced their reporting tools to make it easier for users to report content.
3. Transparent content moderation decisions: Platforms are now required to be more transparent about their content moderation processes. TikTok, for example, will provide European users with more information about a broader range of content moderation decisions. Google is expanding the scope of its transparency reports to offer more details on how it handles content moderation across its services.
4. Reporting fake products: The DSA not only focuses on content regulations but also aims to halt the circulation of counterfeit goods. Amazon has created a new channel for reporting suspected illegal products and is providing more publicly available information about third-party merchants. Similarly, online fashion marketplace Zalando is implementing flagging systems to address any potential issues with illegal content.
5. Protection of children from targeted digital ads: The EU is concerned about the impact of targeted digital ads on children’s privacy and manipulation. Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta have already taken steps to restrict personalized and targeted advertising for users under the age of 18. For example, TikTok is no longer showing ads based on the activities of users aged 13 to 17.
With these new regulations, the EU aims to safeguard the rights and interests of its citizens in the digital space. Users will have more control over the content they see, easier ways to report harmful content, and transparency regarding content moderation decisions. Additionally, measures are in place to combat counterfeit products and protect children from targeted advertising. As these digital regulations come into effect, users can expect significant changes in their online experiences.
