From Google to Facebook, the EU puts the major digital platforms under surveillance – Corriere.it

Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter and TikTok have been included by the EU Commission in the list of 19 digital platforms that are under surveillance. This was announced by the commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, warning that big tech “will have to change their behavior if they want to continue operating in Europe”. Among others, the list also includes AliExpress, Bing, Booking, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, Wikipedia, YouTube and Zalando.

From online marketplaces to cloud services

The companies were selected on the basis of their user base, which for each reaches an average of 45 million active people each month and, starting from August 25, they will be required to comply with the transparency and reliability obligations set out in the Digital Services Act. the EU regulation on digital services which came into force on 16 November and which regulates the activity of online marketplaces, social networks, content sharing platforms, online travel and accommodation, app stores and cloud services. Among the most stringent conditions imposed by Brussels are the protection of users, their identity and their privacy, with an eye to minors under the age of 18, moderation in terms of language of published content and the prevention of systemic risks.

Privacy and security

Among the most important innovations is the introduction of reporting systems for illegal content which the platforms will then have to examine and eventually remove promptly. Advertisements based on sensitive user data – such as ethnic origin, political opinions or sexual orientation – will no longer be displayed, with a de facto prohibition of profiling. The tech giants are then called to redesign their systems to ensure a high level of privacy, security and safety of minors, with special risk assessments that also include potential negative effects on their mental health. EU rules also provide for the adoption of measures against disinformation. For those who violate the rules, there are fines of up to 6% of the annual turnover and, in the event of a repeat offense, a ban on operating on European territory.