All online platforms are now being cracked down on toxic content and dodgy goods by the European Union

In the next stage of its campaign against toxic social media posts and dodgy e-commerce products, which started last year by focusing on the most well-liked services, the European Union is extending its stringent digital regulations to practically all online platforms within the EU on Saturday.

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, and Wikipedia are just a few of the major online sites that have already embraced the EU’s groundbreaking Digital Services Act. The DSA enforces a number of stringent guidelines aimed at protecting internet users from harm. These guidelines include facilitating the reporting of fake or dangerous products, identifying offensive or unlawful information, such as hate speech, and outlawing advertisements directed towards minors.

The regulations will now be applicable to almost all online markets, platforms, and “intermediaries” that deal with users within the 27-country bloc. The only companies protected are those with less than 50 workers and less than $10 million ($11 million) in revenue annually.

This suggests the restrictions may apply to many more websites. It included well-known ones like OnlyFans and eBay that managed to avoid being categorized as the largest web platforms in need of further examination.

Executive Vice President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager stated in a news release that “users, Member States, and platforms can now use the tools under the DSA to shape a safer and more transparent online world.” “This is a significant turning point that reflects our core EU ideals and principles.”

Platforms are required by the DSA to provide all relevant information to users regarding digital advertisements, including the source of the advertisement’s funding and the reason it is being displayed. Users’ sexual preferences and other “sensitive data,” such as their political or religious views, cannot be used by ads to target them. Platforms are required to provide users with an explanation of content moderation decisions and the reason for the removal of a post or account suspension.

Due to claims that Elon Musk’s social media network X, formerly known as Twitter, violated the DSA’s rules by failing to take appropriate action to stop the spread of illegal content, the EU has already begun looking into the matter.