Thierry Breton Affirms That Big Tech Must Comply With EU Online Content Rules

EU (EU) industry chief Thierry Breton (photo: twitter @ThierryBreton)

JAKARTA - On Wednesday, August 23, EU (EU) industry chief Thierry Breton stated that Alphabet's parent of Google, Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft, Twitter, TikTok, and other tech giants (big tech) should have used EU's online content rules that apply to them on Friday, August 25 to restore trust and security on their platforms.

The rules known as the Digital Services Act (DSA) require these companies to carry out risk management, conduct external and independent audits, share data with authorities and researchers, and adopt code of ethics.

Obligations for these companies, which also include booking.com, Pinterest, Snapchat from Snap Inc, Wikipedia, Zalando, and AliExpress from Alibaba, are heavier than others because they have more than 45 million users.

These huge online platforms and this huge online search engine have until Friday to give their European Commission their first annual risk assessment.

"Obeying DSA is not a punishment - this is an opportunity for these online platforms to strengthen their brand value and reputation as reliable sites," Breton said in a statement.

"Child protection will be a priority for law enforcement, as well as fighting disinformation, including pro-Russian propaganda, especially as we enter an election period in Europe," Breton said.

The DSA also forces these companies to be more transparent about the process of targeted algorithms, bots and ads that strengthen content and to take more action in tackling illegal, unsafe, or fake products sold on their platforms.

Breton, who has the authority to impose fines of up to 6% of the company's global turnover for infringement, said he would not hesitate to act.

"My services and I will fully enforce the DSA, and fully use our new powers to investigate and impose sanctions on viable platforms," he said.