The digital services act's risk-based approach to disinformation on social media platforms

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the measures and effects of the Digital Services Act as part of the risk-based approach to curbing disinformation on social media platforms. Disinformation is diverse and is disseminated with different intentions and by different, primarily technical, means. Enhanced due diligence measures require very large online platforms to analyse risks and derive measures that address systemic risks such as disinformation to public health, security and democratic processes. The measures are also analysed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses to enable an assessment of their effectiveness in achieving the objectives set out in the Digital Services Act. The Regulation's shortcomings with regard to the regulation of political advertising can be compensated for by the Regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising, which places stricter requirements. Overall, the Regulation provides a solid foundation with a flexible, risk-based approach to tackling harmful but not illegal content.