Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Twitter, TikTok, and other tech giants should adhere to EU online content rules in order to rebuild trust and ensure safety on their platforms, according to EU industry chief Thierry Breton. The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires these companies to implement risk management, undergo external auditing, share data with authorities, and adopt a code of conduct. Companies such as Booking.com, Pinterest, Snapchat, Wikipedia, Zalando, and AliExpress, which have over 45 million users, face more stringent obligations. These platforms must submit their first annual risk assessment to the European Commission by Friday.
Breton emphasized that compliance with the DSA is an opportunity for platforms to strengthen their reputation. Child protection and combatting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, will be priorities in enforcing the rules. The DSA also mandates greater transparency regarding algorithmic processes, bots, targeted advertising, and addressing the presence of illegal or unsafe products. Breton warned that he will not hesitate to impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global turnover for violations and vows to thoroughly enforce the DSA.