Latest news with #onlineplatforms
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EU takes action against AliExpress for DSA compliance issues
The European Commission (EC) has provisionally determined that AliExpress failed to fulfil its duty to evaluate and reduce the risks associated with the spread of unlawful products as required by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The commission is advancing its investigation regarding AliExpress's adherence to the DSA aimed at bolstering online user and consumer protection. The Commission's preliminary conclusions indicate several areas where AliExpress's practices do not align with DSA requirements for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The platform's risk assessment appears to overlook the limitations of its moderation capabilities, leading to an underestimation of the risk related to the spread of illegal products. AliExpress has reportedly not effectively implemented its sanctions policy against sellers who consistently list illegal items. There are indications of significant shortcomings in AliExpress's proactive content moderation systems, which reduce their effectiveness and leave room for exploitation by unscrupulous sellers. These issues represent a failure to adequately evaluate and address systemic risks associated with the distribution of illegal content, including counterfeit items and products that fail to meet European safety standards. The preliminary findings do not predetermine the final outcome of the investigation. AliExpress now has the opportunity to respond to the EC's concerns. If the EC's initial view is confirmed, it may result in a non-compliance decision, potential fines and an obligation for AliExpress to submit an action plan to remedy the infringement. The formal proceedings to assess AliExpress' adherence to the DSA began on 14 March 2024, focusing on risk management, content moderation, complaint handling, advertising transparency, trader traceability and data access for researchers. EC tech sovereignty, security and democracy executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen stated: 'We have been able to take concrete steps to ensure a high level of safety for EU [European Union] citizens while maintaining a level playing field for platforms and traders in the EU market. This decision serves as an illustration of the commission's expectations when we raise concerns. We welcome AliExpress' commitments towards becoming safer for users, fairer for legitimate traders and a better online platform for all.' The EC has also accepted and made legally binding a series of commitments from AliExpress to address concerns about its transparency on advertising and recommender systems. AliExpress has agreed to a range of commitments to improve the monitoring and detection of illegal products on its platform, such as medicines, food supplements and adult material. These commitments also cover the platform's notice and action mechanism, internal complaint handling system, transparency of advertising and recommender systems, trader traceability and access to public data for researchers. These measures are designed to make information and tools for limiting the spread of illegal content easily accessible. AliExpress has also committed to maintaining an internal monitoring framework, overseen by a dedicated team, to ensure the effectiveness of these commitments and to conduct regular risk assessments. An independent monitoring trustee will report to the EC annually on the implementation of these commitments. "EU takes action against AliExpress for DSA compliance issues" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The National
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
France plans social media ban for children as UK mulls time limits
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to ban social media for under-15s in France and introduce age verification for websites selling knives, as leaders across Europe seek to impose restrictions to protect children from harmful content online. Speaking in the wake of the stabbing of a schoolteacher in Nogent by a 14-year old pupil on Tuesday, Mr Macron wrote on X: 'I'm banning social media for children under 15. Platforms have the ability to verify age. Let's do it." Mr Macron told France 2 that the country 'cannot wait' for the European Union to act on proposals to limit the amount of time teenagers spend online. He said that France could proceed alone 'in the coming months' if progress isn't made at the EU level. He also announced that age verification will soon be imposed in France on sites selling knives online, similar to measures that currently apply to pornographic sites. "A 15-year-old will no longer be able to buy a knife online. That means we're going to impose massive financial sanctions and bans," he said. In March, French police started random searches for knives and other weapons concealed in bags in and around schools. A new French law forcing pornography websites to impose age verification came into effect last week, prompting key websites to start blocking French users. Demand for private network services, which conceal the user's location, surged in response. French authorities are also attempting to force social media sites including X, Reddit, Bluesky and Mastodon to introduce age verification. It comes as the UK juggles a newly launched national skills drive for young people to be trained in AI, with attempts to limit social media and smartphone use to protect children from harmful online content. Technology secretary Peter Kyle said last week that the government was looking at restrictions, such as a two-hour social media cap and a 10pm curfew. Campaigners say that more pressure should be put on social media companies to remove harmful content that gets recommended to children. Elizabeth Clutton, a computer scientist and researcher at the University of Portsmouth, said the possible restrictions were 'fair' given the evidence of a mental health crisis in children being fuelled by social media use. It was still compatible younger generations learning to use AI systems, after Mr Starmer unveiled the new AI skills drive for young people at London Tech Week. 'You have to look at the impact that peer pressure has, which is a big driving force on the mental health problem that these kids are having,' she told The National during the Tech week conference. 'It will help parents as well. If you set it as a blanket rule, there's no peer pressure. The scientific evidence is it's harmful. I do think people need that framework of support when it comes to younger generations.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany Considers 10% Digital Tax On Tech Giants Alphabet, Meta: Report
In a move that could escalate trade tensions with the U.S., Germany is reportedly contemplating imposing a 10% tax on major online platforms, including Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META). What Happened: Wolfram Weimer, the new German Minister of State for Culture, disclosed this proposal in an interview with Stern magazine. This revelation comes before Chancellor Friedrich Merz's anticipated visit to Washington, although no official confirmation has been provided yet, reported Reuters. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — President Donald Trump has previously expressed his disapproval of foreign governments taxing American companies, pledging not to let them 'appropriate America's tax base for their own benefit.' Weimer accused big online platforms like Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. of 'cunning tax evasion.' He suggested that these companies, which generate billions in profits in Germany, contribute minimally to the country's tax base and society. Weimer also criticized the monopolistic tendencies of these digital platforms, arguing that they pose a threat to freedom of It Matters: This proposal comes amid growing international scrutiny of tech giants. The Trump administration has been critical of Europe's digital regulations, asserting that they pose a risk to free speech and American commercial interests. Furthermore, in April, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU is preparing retaliatory measures that could include levies on digital advertising revenues from U.S. tech companies like Meta and Alphabet Inc. This was followed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg urging President Trump to respond aggressively to these threats. If the German government proceeds with this tax, it would join Britain, Italy, France, Spain, Turkey, India, Austria, and Canada, which have imposed similar taxes on digital service providers. The shares of Alphabet fell 0.24% to close at $172.96 on Thursday, meanwhile Meta rose 0.23% to $645.05. Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest before it's too late. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share! Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Send To MSN: Send to MSN Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Germany Considers 10% Digital Tax On Tech Giants Alphabet, Meta: Report originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
30-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
German digital ministry treads cautiously over online platform levy
BERLIN, May 30 (Reuters) - Germany's new digital ministry said any levy on online platforms would have to be internationally coordinated and not result in higher prices for end consumers, in a sign on Friday of possible divisions within government over plans for such a tax. The Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer had said in an interview published on Thursday that officials were working on a levy which would hit platforms such as Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab and Meta's Facebook (META.O), opens new tab. A levy of 10% would be reasonable, he said - without specifying if this were a tax on revenue or profit. Germany's ruling parties agreed earlier this year to consider the introduction of a digital services levy, but this was not on the list of projects the coalition wants to prioritise. Weimer's proposal had not yet been agreed upon by the government, officials had said. "The decisive factors in evaluating such a levy are that it is designed in a targeted manner, is internationally coordinated and compatible with EU law, that any potential revenue benefits Germany as a hub for innovation, and that ultimately no higher prices are passed on to end consumers," a spokesperson for the digital ministry said. The proposal comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to travel to Washington soon to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, although a trip has not yet been officially announced. Trump has in the past said he will not allow foreign governments to "appropriate America's tax base for their own benefit". Industry association Bitkom warned that the levy could lead to price increases that would impact businesses, public administrations, and consumers. "These price increases will hinder and slow down the urgently needed acceleration of the digitalization of public services and the digital transformation of companies," said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. "What we need is not more, but fewer financial burdens on digital goods and services."
CNA
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
German digital ministry treads cautiously over online platform levy
BERLIN :Germany's new digital ministry said any levy on online platforms would have to be internationally coordinated and not result in higher prices for end consumers, in a sign on Friday of possible divisions within government over plans for such a tax. The Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer had said in an interview published on Thursday that officials were working on a levy which would hit platforms such as Alphabet's Google and Meta's Facebook. A levy of 10 per cent would be reasonable, he said - without specifying if this were a tax on revenue or profit. Germany's ruling parties agreed earlier this year to consider the introduction of a digital services levy, but this was not on the list of projects the coalition wants to prioritise. Weimer's proposal had not yet been agreed upon by the government, officials had said. "The decisive factors in evaluating such a levy are that it is designed in a targeted manner, is internationally coordinated and compatible with EU law, that any potential revenue benefits Germany as a hub for innovation, and that ultimately no higher prices are passed on to end consumers," a spokesperson for the digital ministry said. The proposal comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to travel to Washington soon to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, although a trip has not yet been officially announced. Trump has in the past said he will not allow foreign governments to "appropriate America's tax base for their own benefit". Industry association Bitkom warned that the levy could lead to price increases that would impact businesses, public administrations, and consumers. "These price increases will hinder and slow down the urgently needed acceleration of the digitalization of public services and the digital transformation of companies," said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. "What we need is not more, but fewer financial burdens on digital goods and services."
