Despite the Digital Services Act (DSA) coming into effect for all online platforms since February, eight European Union member states have yet to appoint formal national regulators to oversee compliance with the regulations. This delay poses challenges for platforms seeking guidance on implementation and complicates the functioning of the Digital Services Act board.
Delayed Designation of Digital Services Coordinators
The DSA mandates the designation of Digital Services Coordinators by February 17th, serving as the primary liaison between online platforms and the European Commission for monitoring compliance with platform rules. However, as of the latest update, eight member states have not fulfilled this obligation, leaving a regulatory void in enforcing DSA provisions.
Commission’s Enforcement Role
While the European Commission oversees enforcement for the 22 largest platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, smaller platforms fall under the purview of national authorities for compliance checks. The lack of designated regulators hampers the efficient enforcement of DSA regulations, particularly for platforms requiring guidance on adherence to the new rules.
Challenges for the Digital Services Act Board
The Digital Services Act board, comprising national regulators and the commission, faces obstacles in its enforcement and work streams due to the absence of designated regulators. Despite efforts to address the issue, pending authorities are unable to participate fully in board decisions, affecting discussions on critical areas such as election guidance and actions against non-compliant platforms like X, TikTok, and AliExpress.
Impact on Online Platforms
Countries like Poland and Lithuania, home to prominent online platforms like Allegro and Vinted, are among those lacking designated regulators. Under the DSA’s stringent regulations, platforms with over 45 million monthly average users in the EU must adhere to transparency requirements and ensure the protection of minors online. As the commission designates more platforms, including upcoming additions like fashion platform Shein, the need for effective regulatory oversight becomes increasingly pressing.
SOURCE: Ref Image from News24
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