In a world where social platforms have become an indispensable part of our lives, the European Union is introducing changes that will affect the way we use these platforms. New regulations targeting tech giants herald a new era of digital transparency and accountability.
The European Union has been working on the regulation of the digital space for years. Main goal? To protect us, the users, from the dangers brought by the digital age. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, recently announced that large internet platforms must comply with the new law. This law brings many changes that will affect our digital experience.
Let's start with the algorithms. Most of us are used to social platforms showing us the content they "want" us to see. With the new law, we will have a choice. We don't want an algorithm to determine what we see? No problem. We can choose to only see content from people and pages we follow.
And what about the ads? The new law introduces stricter rules regarding targeted advertising. Platforms will not be allowed to display ads based on our sexual orientation, religion or political beliefs. In addition, they will have to be more careful when showing ads to minors.
Transparency is another key part of the new law. Tech companies will have to disclose how their algorithms work. This means that we will finally have an insight into the "magic box" of these platforms.
The law does not only apply to small players. Large online platforms and search engines with more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union will have to comply with these new rules. And for those who don't follow the rules? Get ready for high penalties.
All these changes will greatly affect our digital experience. As the Met's Nick Clegg said, these changes will change the way Europeans use the internet.
However, perhaps the most important part of this story is the global impact of this law. Although it only applies to EU countries, many believe it will have a wider impact. Many of the changes introduced by the European Union are likely to be applied globally.
In times of rapid technological change, it is clear that we need regulations to protect us. And the European Union seems to be at the forefront of this revolution.
