Internet - EU tightens requirements for online sex platforms
Several sex and porn platforms on the internet will have to comply with particularly strict rules against illegal content in the EU in future. In Brussels, the EU Commission classified Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos as "very large online platforms" under the new Digital Services Act. In terms of regulation, this puts the companies on a par with Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok and several Google services.
One of the aims of the Digital Services Act (DSA) is to ensure that platforms remove illegal content on their sites more quickly than before. In turn, it will make it easier for users to report such content. In principle, large services have to follow more rules than small ones. Those with more than 45 million active users per month in the EU are currently affected. In the Commission's view, they pose a particularly high risk to society.
Four months time
Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos now have four months to fulfill their obligations under the DSA. This includes carrying out their own risk assessments, for example on how to deal with illegal content. These include the risk of gender-based violence and the protection of minors and their mental health. The reports are then reviewed by the EU Commission.
Companies are also prohibited from displaying advertising based on sensitive data such as political views or sexual orientation. Personalized advertising for minors is generally prohibited. Those who do not adhere to the rules face penalties of up to six percent of their annual global turnover.
The responsible EU Commissioner Thierry Breton said that the Commission will ensure that the platforms comply with their obligations under the DSA. In particular, the aim is to ensure the safety of children.
On Monday, the Commission opened proceedings against an online platform on the basis of the DSA for the first time. It concerns the short message service X (formerly Twitter). Following a preliminary investigation, it is accused, among other things, of disregarding EU rules on risk management and content moderation.
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- The EU Commission has classified Tiktok as a "very large online platform" under the Digital Services Act, placing it along with Telecommunications giants such as Twitter, Facebook, and various Google services.
- In response to the EU's tightened requirements for online sex platforms, the USA-based app Tiktok will also need to comply with strict rules against illegal content in the European Union.
- The Number of users on Tiktok, which surpasses 45 million in the EU, makes it a target of these new regulations due to its perceived high risk to society.
- Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), online platforms like Tiktok will be required to remove illegal content more quickly and allow users to report such content easily.
- The EU Commission has opened proceedings against an online platform, formerly known as Twitter (X), for allegedly disregarding EU rules on risk management and content moderation.
- Brussels has also targeted Telecom companies like Google for adherence to the DSA rules, issuing penalties for non-compliance that can reach up to 6% of their annual global turnover.
- In addition to the stricter regulations, the EU is working to protect minors' mental health and prevent gender-based violence on these large online platforms, including Tiktok.
Source: www.stern.de
