EU's Groundbreaking Digital Rules Target Tech Giants Like Facebook, Google, and TikTok

A new series of rules set by Europe for digital technology and social media giants is coming into effect. Companies like Google, Facebook, TikTok, Amazon, Microsoft, X, Apple Store, Instagram, and many other social media and digital technology giants will be subject to these rules. Social and digital media platforms host millions of users. Almost anything can be shared on these platforms, and users can communicate with each other through messages. From time to time, unwanted posts can be encountered on social media platforms. The EU has introduced groundbreaking new digital rules in this regard, and the first phase of these rules will come into effect this week. Starting from Friday, the law that will come into effect is designed to keep users safe in the online environment and to stop the spread of illegal harmful content. At the same time, the aim is to protect fundamental rights of Europeans such as freedom of expression and privacy. Companies will face significant penalties if they do not comply with the rules. The law is expected to have the most impact on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat. Furthermore, Amazon, Booking.com, China's Alibaba AliExpress, and Germany's Zalando will also be within the scope of the new law. In addition, application stores and search engines like Google Play, App Store, and Microsoft Bing will also be required to comply with EU rules. The EU Digital Services Act will compel platforms to take measures to protect minors from content that could 'impair their physical, mental, or moral development'. Under this law, ads targeting users on social media based on sensitive data such as religion and political views will be halted. According to the law, content generated by artificial intelligence, such as fake news and manipulated videos and photos, will not be allowed. European Union authorities will have the right to access social media data and algorithms to determine whether they promote harmful content, such as information that endangers public health or elections.