Recently, the first set of reports evaluating the systemic risks associated with the world’s most relevant online platforms has been released, generating expectations in various sectors of the global civil society. These reports are the result of the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a regulatory framework aimed at regulating tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and TikTok, among others.
The DSA establishes that these platforms, especially those with more than 45 million users in the European Union, must conduct proactive assessments of the risks associated with their services. The guidelines of the law address a variety of risks, not only the spread of illegal content, but also potential threats to the integrity of electoral processes and the possible violation of fundamental rights.
So far, the European Commission has designated over 20 platforms as “very large,” requiring them to analyze how their design and use may contribute to these risks. However, the regulatory framework has been criticized for its lack of clarity regarding the methods that companies should use to carry out these assessments, which can lead to broad interpretations and questionable practices.
This context becomes more relevant in light of recent investigations into the role of TikTok during the presidential elections in Romania. Following the surprising victory of an ultranationalist candidate, allegations have been raised that TikTok promoted content favorable to this candidate, prompting the European Commission to investigate the platform’s risk management and adherence to the new obligations established by the DSA.
The case of TikTok highlights the current limitations of the regulatory framework regarding risk assessment and audits. Although platforms are required to publish annual reports on their management of these risks, the lack of uniform standards and methodologies complicates the comparability of their approaches. While these reports could represent a step towards greater accountability and transparency, they underscore that systemic issues remain difficult to grasp.
To address the complex challenges posed by digital services, it is essential to adopt a collaborative approach that integrates experts from civil society, academics, and activists. This collaboration would not only help clarify the complicated challenges facing society but also strengthen user rights and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
via: MiMub in Spanish
