The Digital Services Act is about additional rules on the transparency of content moderation and decisions. Companies with massive platforms, users and consumers should be able to understand better how the IT platforms impact them and our societies and the obligation to mitigate the risks related to freedom of expression.

The Digital Market Act (DMA) is a competition law targeting the gatekeepers of the digital economy. The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires online platforms to be more transparent about collecting data and outlines how to deal with illegal content and disinformation. The DSA and the DMA form a single set of rules that apply across the whole EU with two main goals:

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

Stricter obligations in the European Union now bind major technology companies. The European Union (EU) aims to increase oversight and accountability within the tech industry. These regulations are set to significantly impact how the global tech giants operate in the EU market.

Growing concerns on data privacy, competition, and global power

Especially GAMAF (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook) will be in focus. However, similar organisations are now responsible for complying with the goods sold on their marketplace. If fake goods are sold on the platform, they will be responsible for tracking down the suppliers and ensuring corrective action. Another rule prevents companies from selling goods to teenagers based on their usage data.

The EU has introduced measures to ensure greater transparency and fairness. This is in response to growing concerns about data privacy, competition, and the power of these tech companies. This move is aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices and protecting user data.

Tech companies will face stricter rules on data sharing, enhanced user consent requirements, and measures to curb monopolistic behaviour. These regulations may lead to adjustments in business models and operations for GAMAF companies, which have faced criticism for not being ready for GDPR compliance in 2018. they result in non-compliance and dominance in the global tech landscape on data privacy and protection concerns.

It will also be necessary to determine how the DMA’s requirements will affect existing obligations under the GDPR. National data protection bodies and the European Data Protection Board will review the conditions and ensure they can be applied consistently with existing laws.

Your DPO (data protection officer) will be able to advise you on compliance and why the potential for regulatory change demonstrates that both the DMA and the DSA require the need to have internal expertise.

Join the next DPO certification master class by The EUGDPR Institute on the 27th- 28th of November 2023. Register here.