Social Science Research Council Research AMP Just Tech
Citation

EU Digital Services Act: The White Hope of Intermediary Regulation

Author:
Heldt, Amélie P.
Year:
2022

Most experts and journalists agree on the huge importance of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (hereinafter DSA). But can the first proposal published by the EU Commission in December 2020 live up to the expectations expressed ahead? The business model of social media platforms has been criticized for years, but since the Cambridge Analytica scandal, this criticism has expanded beyond a relatively small circle of experts. Lawmakers around the world have tried to push platforms to enforce applicable law and take responsibility. This contribution looks at the key obligations under the DSA and how they are monitored for compliance. It also presents the provisions for greater transparency and accountability. Finally, it looks at the possible consequences if the DSA were to come into force in its current form.