Facts: DSA and DMA
In December 2020, the European Commission presented proposals for two new digital laws: on digital services (DSA) and digital markets (DMA).
Simplified, DSA can be likened to rules of the game for what happens on the digital platforms, while DMA is seen as a set of rules for how the largest platforms compete with other smaller players in their specific area.
The DSA includes stricter requirements for platforms to act against illegal content and also handling of illegal goods. Digital coordinators in the Member States are given a monitoring role to ensure that the platforms operate.
The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers agreed in April on a compromise on both laws. On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the compromise on the DSA with 539 votes against 54 and 30 abstentions, and on the DMA with 588 against 11 and 31 abstentions.
The two team packages DSA and DMA, which were presented in December 2020, are now fully negotiated in the EU machinery.
On Tuesday, they were also formally approved by the European Parliament, by an overwhelming majority. This leaves only the same formal green light from EU member states in the Council of Ministers.
Basically, DMA is very much about the big network giants needing to handle smaller companies in a fairer way. The DSA in turn includes rules on how and when illegal material is to be removed and increased transparency about the companies’ algorithms.
The result is welcomed by the Swedish EU Member of Parliament Arba Kokalari (M), who was part of the negotiating group on the DSA.
“The new digital laws provide clear rules for companies, security for consumers and protect a free internet. Now the users’ rights on social media will be strengthened. If your account is removed, you must be motivated and be able to appeal,” she wrote in a statement.
The European Commission is also satisfied.
“The Digital Services Act (DSA) creates protection for users’ rights online. The Digital Market Act (DMA) creates fair and open markets. For example, illegal cyber-hatred can be dealt with. And products sold online must be secure,” said the Digitization Commissioner. Margrethe Vestager in a press release.