EU Pressures Online Porn Platforms to Comply with Digital Services Act
In an ongoing effort to regulate online environments, the European Union is focusing on major pornography platforms like StripChat, Pornhub, and XVideos. These sites have been labeled as "Very Large Online Platforms," bringing them under the scrutiny of the EU's new Digital Services Act (DSA).
Requirements and Compliance Measures
Under the DSA, these platforms are expected to install thorough internal protocols for risk assessment and to actively work on mitigating potential violations of the act. This includes the establishment of reliable age verification systems designed to protect minors from accessing adult content, and stringent measures to curb the distribution and promotion of illegal content and gender-based violence.
Monitoring and Deadlines
The EU has set a firm deadline of July 4, 2024, for these platforms to submit detailed compliance plans. These must include a clear depiction of their internal organization and demonstrate that their compliance teams are empowered with the necessary authority and resources to effectively address the issues highlighted by the DSA. An EU Commission spokesperson warned that failure to meet these requirements could result in significant fines.
Ensuring Safety and Responsibility Online
These efforts by the EU aim to enhance online safety, particularly for minors, and ensure that digital platforms are held to higher standards of responsibility. The Commission will closely monitor the actions taken by Pornhub, StripChat, and XVideos in the lead-up to the deadline and beyond, assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures. Depending on their compliance and the impact of these measures, further actions and penalties could be considered.
