The Changing Landscape of Big Tech Regulation in Europe

Data Protection Europe is Cracking Down on Big Tech. This Is What Will Change When You Sign On

Introduction

Starting Friday, Europeans will witness a significant shift in their online experiences as big tech companies operating in the European Union must comply with new digital regulations. The Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to protect European users in terms of privacy, transparency, and the removal of harmful or illegal content. The focus of these regulations is to give users more control over their online experience and hold tech giants accountable for their practices. In this report, we will explore five key changes that European users can expect when signing on to popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, as well as other tech giants such as Google and Amazon.

Turning Off AI-Recommended Videos

One significant change users will notice is the ability to turn off AI-recommended videos. Currently, automated recommendation systems determine what users see in their feeds based on their profiles and previous activity. However, with the implementation of the DSA, users can now opt-out of these AI ranking and recommendation systems. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already announced that users can choose to view content only from people they follow, starting with the newest posts. This means that search results will be based solely on the words users type, rather than being personalized based on previous activity and interests.

Similarly, on TikTok, the “For You” feed will serve up popular videos from users’ local area and around the world, rather than being based on their previous viewing history. Turning off recommender systems on TikTok also affects the “Following” and “Friends” feeds, which will now show posts from accounts users follow in chronological order. Snapchat users will also have the option to opt-out of a personalized content experience. These changes aim to give users more control over the content they consume and reduce the potential for algorithmic manipulation.

Transparency in Content Moderation

The DSA also emphasizes the need for platforms to be more transparent about how they moderate content. TikTok has pledged to provide European users with more information about a broader range of content moderation decisions. This includes informing users about the reasons behind a video being ineligible for recommendation, such as containing unverified claims about an ongoing election. TikTok will also share more details about these decisions, including whether they were made by automated technology, and provide information on how content creators and users who file reports can appeal a decision.

Google has also committed to expanding the scope of its transparency reports to include more information about how it handles content moderation for its various services, such as Search, Maps, Shopping, and Play Store. This increased transparency will help users understand how platforms moderate content and make more informed choices about the content they engage with.

Fighting Counterfeit Products

The DSA is not solely focused on content moderation; it also addresses the issue of counterfeit products. Companies like Amazon and Zalando, an online fashion marketplace, have implemented measures to combat the flow of illegal goods. Amazon has established a new channel for reporting suspected illegal products and is providing more publicly available information about third-party merchants. Zalando, on the other hand, claims to have close to zero risk of illegal content due to its highly curated collection of designer items. However, it is still setting up flagging systems to ensure compliance with the DSA.

These initiatives highlight the DSA’s goal of protecting consumers from purchasing counterfeit products and creating a more trustworthy shopping experience. By holding platforms accountable for the sale of illegal goods, the EU aims to safeguard its citizens and promote fair and ethical business practices.

Protecting Children from Targeted Advertising

Another aspect of the DSA is focused on protecting children from targeted digital ads. Brussels has expressed concerns about the privacy and potential manipulation of children through digital advertising. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram have already taken steps to restrict personalized and targeted advertising for users under the age of 18.

TikTok, for instance, has limited the type of data used to show ads to teens, and users aged 13 to 17 in the EU, as well as other countries, no longer see ads based on their activities on or off the platform. Meta has restricted targeted advertising for users between 13 and 17 years old, and Snapchat has also implemented similar restrictions. These measures aim to protect young users from potentially manipulative advertising practices and ensure their privacy is safeguarded.

Editorial: Balancing Protection and User Experience

The Digital Services Act represents an important step forward in protecting European users’ online privacy, transparency, and safety. It places more control in the hands of users and forces tech giants to be more accountable for their practices. However, as with any regulatory framework, there are challenges to be addressed.

One potential concern is that by allowing users to turn off AI-recommended videos and personalized content, they may inadvertently isolate themselves within echo chambers, reinforcing their existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. While the focus is on providing users with the ability to filter their content, it is equally important for platforms to continue promoting a healthy and balanced digital ecosystem, where users are exposed to different viewpoints and ideas.

Additionally, enforcing the regulations outlined in the DSA requires significant resources from both platform operators and regulatory bodies. Companies must invest in improving their content moderation and transparency mechanisms to comply with the DSA, while regulatory bodies must ensure effective oversight and enforcement. Striking the right balance between user protection and the freedom to express oneself online is crucial to maintain a vibrant and inclusive digital environment.

Advice: Empowering Users and Promoting Digital Literacy

As these new regulations come into effect, it is essential for users to be aware of the changes and take full advantage of the increased control they have over their online experience. Users should familiarize themselves with the privacy settings and options offered by the platforms they use to ensure they align with their preferences.

Furthermore, promoting digital literacy is crucial in empowering individuals to navigate the online landscape effectively. Users should educate themselves about the potential risks associated with online platforms and understand how their personal data is used and protected. Governments and educational institutions should invest in digital literacy programs to ensure citizens have the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions online.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Digital Services Act represents a significant shift in how big tech companies operate in Europe. These regulations aim to protect users’ privacy, increase transparency, and combat harmful content. While there are challenges to address, such as balancing user protection and a diverse digital environment, the DSA provides an opportunity to foster a safer and more accountable online ecosystem.