• EU queries 17 tech giants on Digital Services Act for illegal content.
• Amazon, Apple must reply by Feb 9 on tackling online issues.
• DSA shows EU commitment to tech transparency, addresses misinformation.

In a significant move to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission announced on Thursday that it has initiated information requests to 17 tech companies, considering them as very large online platforms (VLOP) and search engines. The DSA, which came into effect in November of the previous year, mandates increased responsibilities for such platforms to combat illegal content and uphold public security.

The companies receiving requests include e-commerce giants like AliExpress, Amazon’s Amazon Store, and Booking.com, as well as prominent players in the tech industry such as Apple’s AppStore, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet’s Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. Other recipients comprise Microsoft’s LinkedIn and Bing, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Zalando.

The European Commission has set a deadline of February 9 for the tech giants to provide detailed information on the measures they have implemented to grant researchers access to relevant data concerning upcoming EU and national elections. Additionally, the companies are required to outline their strategies for countering illegal content and the sale of illicit goods online.

The DSA aims to hold VLOPs and search engines accountable for ensuring a safer online environment, particularly with regards to the dissemination of misinformation during election periods. The legislation empowers regulatory bodies to investigate and take action against companies that fail to meet their obligations.

This latest development underscores the European Union’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within the tech industry, as the Commission leverages the DSA to address concerns related to the spread of harmful content and potential interference in democratic processes. The move follows the Commission’s initiation of its first investigation under the DSA in December 2023, targeting a social media company suspected of violating its obligations under the legislation.

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