The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union regulation that makes online platforms and search engines more accountable for how their services affect users and society. It requires companies to assess risks, describe mitigation efforts, and undergo third-party compliance audits. section 10.30
The DSA emphasizes transparency and risk management, especially for services with broad public reach:
- Requires platforms to explain how algorithms support content recommendation, flagging, and removal. section 3.15
- Requires companies to identify systematic risks arising from the design and provision of their services and outline mitigation efforts. section 10.30
- Applies its strictest requirements to very large online platforms (VLOPs), concentrating regulation on services with the greatest reach and influence. section 10.30
- Adds accountability to AI-driven services while intersecting with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when personal data is involved. section 3.15
Recommendation systems and disinformation
If an AI content-recommendation system contributes to spreading disinformation, the company may face scrutiny and fines under the DSA. Transparency requirements are intended to make such systematic risks more visible. section 10.30
The DSA became fully applicable to most online platforms in February 2024. Its graduated approach leaves smaller businesses freer from some obligations until their scale gives them greater social influence, balancing oversight against concerns about restricting innovation. section 10.30 section 3.15
