The New American
The European Union reached an agreement Friday on what it calls the Digital Services Act (DSA), a proposal meant to “protect” online users from what it deems harmful content. The DSA was first proposed in 2020 and “sets out an unprecedented new standard for the accountability of online platforms regarding illegal and harmful content,” according to the European Commission.
Though agreed to in principle, the DSA must next pass the European Parliament and the European Council prior to becoming law. But those steps are seen as a fait accompli by most observers.
“Today’s agreement on the Digital Services Act is historic, both in terms of speed and of substance. The DSA will upgrade the ground-rules for all online services in the EU,” said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. “It will ensure that the online environment remains a safe space, safeguarding freedom of expression and opportunities for digital businesses. It gives practical effect to the principle that what is illegal offline, should be illegal online.”
