Tech companies will have to explain their algorithms under a new EU legislation.
The ‘Digital Services Act’ forces companies like Google and Meta to remove illegal content quicker, explain how their algorithms work, and crackdown on misinformation.
Companies face fines of up to six per cent of their annual turnover if they do not comply with the new laws.
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission, who says that illegal offline, should also be illegal online.
“Today’s agreement on the Digital Services Act is historic, both in terms of speed and of substance. The greater the size, the greater the responsibilities of online platforms.”
URSULA VON DER LEYEN
The law allows users to flag content that falls short of expectations, and for platforms to cooperate with so-called “trusted flaggers”.
Although the law only applies to EU citizens, it is set to send shockwaves around the world.
Tech companies are expected to decide if it’s cost-effective to have a worldwide strategy based on the EU law.
