Internet
EU tightens requirements for online sex platforms
Thierry Breton is the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services. photo
© Johannes Neudecker/dpa
Sex films, porn videos: online platforms with such offers have huge user numbers. The EU Commission now wants more information – especially to protect children and young people.
Several sex and porn platforms on the Internet must be in the In the future, the EU will meet particularly strict rules against illegal content. In Brussels, the EU Commission classified Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos as “very large online platforms” under the new digital services law. When it comes to regulation, the companies will now be on the same level as Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok and several Google services.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is intended, among other things, to ensure that platforms remove illegal content on their sites more quickly than before. In turn, it is made easier for users to report such content. Basically, large services have to follow more rules than small ones. Those with more than 45 million active monthly users in the EU are currently affected. In the Commission’s view, they pose a particularly great risk to society.
Four months time
Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos now have four months to comply with their obligations under the DSA. This includes carrying out risk assessments themselves, for example how to deal with illegal content. These include the risk of gender-based violence and the protection of minors and their mental health. The reports are then examined by the EU Commission.
Companies are also prohibited from displaying advertising based on sensitive data such as political attitudes or sexual orientation. Personalized advertising for minors is generally prohibited. Anyone who does not adhere to the rules faces penalties of up to six percent of their global annual turnover.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton said the Commission would ensure platforms comply with their obligations under the DSA. In particular, it is about ensuring safety for children.
On Monday, the Commission opened proceedings against an online platform for the first time on the basis of the DSA. It concerns the short message service X (formerly Twitter). After a preliminary examination, he is accused, among other things, of disregarding EU rules on risk management and content moderation.