Have you been hearing about the Digital Services Act recently? 

Do you want to know what it is and what it could mean for businesses? 

Become a Certified Digital Marketer Today

IMT Ghaziabad Digital Marketing ProgramExplore Course
Become a Certified Digital Marketer Today

What Is the Digital Services Act?

The Digital Services Act, or DSA, is legislation recently agreed upon by the European Commission and EU Member States. It provides a regulatory framework that imposes rules around how online platforms advertise, moderate content, and use algorithmic processes.

According to the European Commission, the DSA has two main goals:

  • “to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of all digital services are protected, and
  • to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.”

How Does the DSA Affect Businesses?

When the DSA goes into effect, it will have a significant impact on every online platform doing business in the EU, including social networks, search engines, and online marketplaces.

Not only will the European Commission and EU Member States have greater oversight into business processes, but online platforms will be obligated to comply with strict regulations, such as:

  • Validation and prevention: Online marketplaces will be charged with validating merchants that list products or services for sale on their websites and put measures into place that prevent illegal products and services from being listed for sale.
  • Immediate takedown: Platforms that display content targeting cyber victims must be taken down immediately.
  • Algorithm access: The DSA requires Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) to allow access to their algorithms, for the European Commission and EU Member States to monitor and assess compliance. VLOPs are sites with more than 45 million active monthly users.
  • Recommendation system disclosure and modifications: Online platforms must clearly describe their recommendation systems in their organization’s Terms and Conditions. In addition, the platform must also allow users to modify the parameters used in recommendation systems.
  • Moderate links to illegal content: Search engine operators, specifically, will be required to delink any links that leader users to illegal content.

Upto 300% Salary Hike After Course Completion

IMT Ghaziabad Digital Marketing ProgramExplore Course
Upto 300% Salary Hike After Course Completion

The Digital Services Act applies to service providers, online platforms, and Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), including:

  • Online marketplaces
  • Social networks
  • Content-sharing platforms
  • App stores
  • Collaborative economy platforms
  • Internet providers
  • Domain registrars
  • Cloud and web hosting services
  • Online travel sites
  • Accommodation platforms

Essentially, any online platform doing business in the EU will be subject to these new rules when they go into place.

When Does the DSA Go Into Effect?

Once the DSA is officially adopted by European Union co-legislators, online platforms will have to comply within 15 months or by January 1, 2024, whichever comes first.

The companies designated as VLOPs will be required to comply earlier than that, just four months after being officially adopted.

Master SEO, Social Media, PPC & Web Analytics

IMT Ghaziabad Digital Marketing ProgramExplore Course
Master SEO, Social Media, PPC & Web Analytics

Get Ready for the Digital Services Act

Now that you understand more about the DSA and how it impacts online platforms, you can start to take steps to prepare for the new requirements. This includes becoming a Digital Marketing Specialist. Simplilearn’s Digital Marketing Specialist Master’s Program transforms you into a complete digital marketer with expertise in the top eight digital marketing domains: search engine optimization, social media, pay-per-click, conversion optimization, digital analytics, content, mobile and email marketing. You can fast-track your career in digital marketing today with practical training you can apply on the job. Through the five courses offered, access to over 75 instructor-led online classes, and over 45 projects and MimicPro simulations, you will gain Online Marketing Certified Professional certification, and become eligible for positions paying upwards of $125K annually.

About the Author

Rob SandersRob Sanders

Rob Sanders is a digital marketing veteran with over 20 years of experience. During that time, Rob has helped a wide range of companies utilize new and emerging technologies to increase sales and profitability. As founder of RSO Consulting, Rob helps clients maximize their digital marketing efforts via SEO, SEM, SMO, and Web Analytics. He is responsible for many facets of the web analytics value chain, from identifying business goals and objectives to developing strategies and translating those into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Rob also teaches digital marketing and analytics classes throughout the U.S. and abroad. As a contributor for Simplilearn, Rob creates expert thought leadership content on a variety of digital marketing and analytics topics.

View More
  • Disclaimer
  • PMP, PMI, PMBOK, CAPM, PgMP, PfMP, ACP, PBA, RMP, SP, and OPM3 are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.