The DSA (Digital Services Act) is an EU regulation that aims to regulate the activities of online platforms and other digital service providers. The regulation introduces a number of obligations and requirements that aim to improve user security, increase transparency in the operations of platforms and combat illegal online content.
In this article, we outline the main obligations under the DSA (Digital Services Act) regulation for e-commerce platforms. These are primarily:
- Obligation to verify suppliers: E-commerce platforms must verify their merchants before allowing them to sell. This includes checking the identity and credibility of suppliers to prevent the sale of illegal products.
- Transparency of product information: Platforms must ensure that users have access to clear and understandable information about products and services, including information about their origins, features and terms of sale.
- Mechanisms for reporting illegal content: Platforms must implement easy-to-use mechanisms that allow users to report illegal products or content. These reports must be handled in a transparent and efficient manner.
- Notification and Action System (Notice and Action): Platforms must have systems in place to report illegal content and must take appropriate action in response to those reports. This requires not only removing illegal products, but also taking steps to prevent their reappearance.
- Advertising transparency: Platforms must ensure advertising transparency, including labeling advertising content and informing users why they are seeing a particular ad (e.g., based on their personal information or online activity).
- Activity reporting: Large e-commerce platforms must regularly publish reports on content moderation and actions taken in response to user submissions.
- Cooperation with authorities: Platforms must cooperate with national and European authorities to ensure compliance with the law, including providing information on actions taken against illegal products and content.
- Product safety: Platforms must ensure that products sold on them meet appropriate safety standards and comply with applicable regulations. This includes an obligation to inform users about the risks associated with certain products.
These obligations are designed to ensure that e-commerce platforms operate responsibly, protecting consumers and promoting fair competition. The implementation of these rules also aims to increase confidence in e-commerce in the European Union.
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