Digital Services Act report lays out landscape of systemic risks online
European regulators, the European Commission and the Board of the Digital Services Coordinators, enforcing the Digital Service Act published a world-wide first report on the landscape of prominent and recurrent risks on very large online platforms and search engines in the European Union.
The report identifies systemic risks, such as, among others, the spread of illegal content or threats to fundamental rights, occurring on very large online platforms. It also gives a first overview of the mitigation measures taken by platforms, based on the transparency requirements under the DSA.
Key findings cover risks to mental health and to the protection of minors online; the impact of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, on online platforms; and challenges to intellectual property protection on online marketplaces. Among the notable mitigation measures highlighted are, for example, the use of automated systems to detect emojis used as code for illegal activities online, such as the sale of illegal drugs.
The report draws on platforms’ own risk assessment, audit, and transparency reports, as well as independent research on certain risks, and diverse civil society contributions.
It is the first of an annual cycle of risk landscape reports. Future editions will also expand on platforms’ best practices, as more data become available on the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies, including through research made possible by the delegated act on data access. Over time, this will provide a long-term perspective on the most prominent and recurrent systemic risks in Europe.
The report provides a reference point for understanding systemic risks in the EU stemming from VLOPs and VLOSEs. It constitutes a key tool for transparency and accountability ultimately contributing to a safer and more trustworthy online environment.
