The European Parliament has passed new regulations that change the rules on illegal content and make operators liable for its use. In the final vote, 530 MEPs supported the introduction of amendments, 80 abstained and 78 did not support the initiative. Parliamentarians plan to finally introduce the Digital Services Act (DSA), a tool to create a safer and more reliable online environment.
The new rules have already been endorsed by a representative from European Lotteries (EL). Arjan van ‘t Veer, Secretary General of EL, commented on the outcome of the vote: “The European Lottery Team firmly believes in the need for a high level of consumer protection and is fully committed to fighting illegal Online gambling a .”
He also added: “The DSA contains a number of new provisions that may be useful in achieving this goal. EL hopes that we will soon have an improved control mechanism and enhanced consumer protection tools.”
The DSA is an upcoming EU regulation that aims to create a safer digital space. According to the provisions of the document, the rights of users are protected by rules aimed at combating illegal products, services or content on the Internet. It will also increase accountability and transparency of online product algorithms and introduce content moderation.
Following the European Commission's proposal to introduce DSA in December 2020, EU member states took a generally positive decision in November last year met. At the same time, it was the company European Lotteries that, before the start of the meeting, called on the EU Council to exclude direct mention of online gambling and sports betting from the DSA.
After the vote, MEP Christel Shaldemose, who is leading the negotiating team, said: “Today's vote shows that MEPs and EU citizens are ready to step up digital regulation. A lot has changed in the 20 years since we passed the E-Commerce Directive.”
She also said, “Online platforms are becoming more and more important to our daily lives and offer new opportunities but also new risks. We have a duty to ensure that what is illegal for land-based businesses is also illegal on the internet. We must ensure that digital rules are put in place for the benefit of consumers.”
The changes reportedly include “more transparent and informed choices” for recipients of digital services, a ban on the use of methods to target advertising to minors and vulnerable populations.
Remind that Armenia intends to intensify online gambling advertising again.