DSA explained – a guide by Better Internet for Kids

• September 22, 2023
• Andrew

Introduced by the European Commission in October 2022, the Digital Services Act (DSA) package comprises a set of guidelines and protocols for online platform providers. Its primary objective is to establish a more secure digital environment for all users, with specific emphasis on safeguarding minors. The DSA upholds and defends fundamental rights within the online sphere.

The Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Team has worked on a user-friendly factsheet which collects and summarises, in a few pages, the main content of the articles of the DSA that focus specifically on the protection of children and young people online. 

DSA’s Implications for Online Platforms

The DSA mandates explicit due diligence responsibilities for online platforms and other intermediaries operating on the internet. Among the notable changes, users gain the ability to report illicit content, along with accessible channels to contest platform content moderation.

These dispute-resolution avenues extend beyond formal legal proceedings, providing users with effective recourse. To counter potential online risks, platforms are required to implement measures like parental controls, age verification, and age assurance.

DSA explained: protecting children and young people online

The BIK Team has developed a concise and user-friendly briefing document, condensing the key provisions of the DSA related to the protection of children and adolescents online. These provisions ensure that online content aligns with the age and interests of young users, while promptly addressing any material that may compromise their rights, dignity, privacy, or freedom of expression.

The DSA also mandates stringent privacy measures, prohibiting platforms from soliciting unnecessary personal information, particularly from children. Additionally, the Act places restrictions on targeted advertisements to minors, aiming to protect their data and interests.