Anything that is illegal offline should be illegal online.
“The internet cannot remain a lawless zone.”, Justine Atlan, Director General of the e-Enfance/3018 Association, has been insisting for many years.
In force since 25 August for 19 major digital players (before being extended to all digital players next February), the Digital Services Act (DSA), a European regulation on digital services, is moving in this direction, establishing the principle that ”Anything that is illegal offline should be illegal online.”.
Designed to strengthen the protection of European digital users, the DSA specifically takes into account the protection of minors, by making it “an important strategic objective of the Union”. It dedicates Article 28 to this cause and obliges online platform providers to guarantee minors a high level of protection by implementing appropriate and proportionate measures.
Very large platforms and search engines are thus forced to take identified risk mitigation measures, “in particular by age verification, of parental control tools or tools to help minors report abuse or obtain support”. The advertising targeted at minors becomes prohibited.
From severe penalties are planned for platforms that are in breach, with fines equal to 61% of their global turnover. Exclusion from the European market is also possible.
The key role of trusted signalers
The French Independent Regulatory Authority (Arcom) will appoint trusted signalers to the expanded responsibilities that 3018 should be part of, already being in this role for support young victims of digital violence as part of the European Safer Internet Programme.
The regulator requires platforms and social networks to work with them, process their requests within 24 hours, and inform victims of the follow-up action taken. This requires that the trusted reporter be easily identifiable by all.
For Justine Atlan, Chief Executive Officer of the e-Enfance/3018 Association:
“The 3018 welcomes the implementation of the DSA, a genuine advance in the protection of minors. As a “trusted flagger,” we must deal effectively and quickly with the risks that social networks and platforms pose to children and young people. Based on a polluter pays principle, It would be logical to compel major internet players to contribute to the funding of trust signal providers, via the regulator, to enable them to operate effectively and raise their profile among the general public.
Discover our other articles about the DSA:
Entry into force of the Digital Services Act (DSA)
