Latest news with #DigitalMarketsActs
Euronews
03-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU digital rules are fair, because they apply to everybody, says Henna Virkkunen
EU presses on with digital laws despite opposition from the US ADVERTISEMENT At a time when disinformation and interference in democracies have proliferated globally, the EU's Digital Services (DSA) and Digital Markets Acts (DMA) are designed to protect online freedom of expression and not to limit it, the European Commission Vice-President for technology and democracy has insisted in the face of US criticism. "When we look at our society or our economy in the European Union, we want to make sure that our digital environment is safe, fair, and democratic," said Henna Virkkunen. Recently, both the DSA and DMA have faced criticism, notably from Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to Donald Trump. However, Virkkunen maintains that the laws are fair and equitable. "Our rules are very fair, because they are the same rules for everybody who is operating and doing business in the European Union. So, we have the same rules for European companies, American companies, and Chinese companies," Virkkunen said. The vice-president also underscored the importance of transparency and open civic discourse when regulating content. "The user knows why certain content is shown to them, and the user must also have the possibility to choose," she added. Currently, there are ten ongoing investigations into large online platforms, with Virkkunen's department scrutinising whether companies like X, TikTok, and Meta are adhering to the regulations. Virkkunen is clear that she is not targeting individuals or restricting free speech but rather ensuring that all players comply with EU rules. Most of these digital platforms are cooperating with the European Commission, due to the importance of the European market, she said, adding: "We are just setting obligations for online platforms to ensure they have practices in place to mitigate and assess systematic risks. We are not regulating the content at all." Disinformation campaigns in elections Disinformation campaigns during elections remain another key focus for Virkkunen. A recent investigation in Romania, for example, uncovered potential use of paid bots on TikTok to boost a nationalist presidential candidate. Virkkunen stressed the importance of preparing for elections in collaboration with national authorities and online platforms. "We need to ensure that platforms are not misused or manipulated, and that they remain transparent during the electoral processes," she argued. Despite strong opposition from tech mogul Elon Musk, who has been vocal about the Romanian elections, calling it an "intimidation campaign," Virkkunen remains confident that the EU will continue to push forward with the DSA and DMA. "We want to make sure that the big players are not dominating the market or misusing their market power," she stated. Internal security On the issue of internal security, Virkkunen acknowledged that there are numerous potential threats to prepare for. "We have to be prepared for many, many different kinds of threats. That's why we must closely cooperate together," she concluded. The European Commission has just presented a new Strategy called ProtectEU aimed at enhancing EU resilience against hybrid threats by protecting critical infrastructure, reinforcing cybersecurity and combatting online threats.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shein will engage with EU on low-value import crackdown measures
The EU's measures form a segment of the European Commission's E-Commerce Communication, titled 'A Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce,' which the commission presented on 5 February. The commission advocates for interventions in various sectors including customs and trade — highlighting the initiation of customs inspections— consumer safeguards, and the implementation of the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts. The urgency of these measures is highlighted by statistics suggesting that approximately 4.6bn low-value packages entered the EU last year, doubling since 2023 and tripling since 2022. According to the EC, many of these goods do not comply with European standards, posing risks to European sellers who maintain high product standards and contributing negatively to environmental and climate concerns. The commission is calling on member states to unite as Team Europe to bolster national authorities' effectiveness in addressing these challenges. Additionally, Shein has been informed by both national consumer authorities within the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network and the commission about a coordinated action being launched against them. The commission has detailed the existing instruments at the EU's disposal and spotlighted ongoing legislative discussions. It also proposes collaborative measures to tackle the influx of dangerous, counterfeit, non-conforming, or illegal products: Customs Reforms is on the agenda, with an appeal for rapid adoption of the proposed Customs Union Reform Package by co-legislators. This includes swiftly enacting new regulations, eliminating the exemption from duties for parcels valued under €150 ($155.38), and enhancing control capabilities through improved data exchange and risk analysis. Targeted measures for imported merchandise include plans to initiate joint inspections by customs and market surveillance bodies, as well as collective initiatives focusing on product safety, exemplified by an unprecedented safety inspection sweep. Online consumer protection is emphasised, with e-commerce practices earmarked as a key focus for enforcement under the Digital Services Act. Other regulatory tools such as the Digital Markets Act, General Product Safety Regulation, Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, and Consumer Protection Network will also be used. Digital solutions are being promoted to oversee e-commerce more effectively via innovations like the Digital Product Passport and new AI technologies designed to identify potentially non-compliant items. Environmental safeguarding steps include endorsing the inaugural action plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and advocating for prompt acceptance of a specific amendment to the Waste Framework Directive. Consumer and trader education campaigns are planned to increase awareness about consumer rights, potential hazards, and available remedies. In terms of international engagement and commerce, activities include providing training on EU product safety standards and evaluating any evidence that surfaces regarding dumping or subsidisation practices. Looking ahead, the commission seeks cooperation with member states, co-legislators, and stakeholders to implement the measures detailed in its communication. In one year, it will evaluate the impact of these actions and publish a report on its findings regarding increased controls. Depending on this assessment's outcome, further steps may be taken to reinforce EU rule implementation and enforcement if current frameworks are found insufficient. Shein has responded to the European Commission and EU's actions for safe and sustainable e-commerce imports by stating that it "welcomes efforts that enhance trust and safety for European consumers when shopping online, and believe that a level competitive playing field can benefit the entire ecosystem". Shein explains that its regulatory and compliance teams across the EU will engage its partners at EU and national government-level to study these recommendations and examine how Shein can play its part in strengthening the industry to enhance the online shopping experience for European consumers. It adds that Shein recently conducted over 2m product safety tests in 2024, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to ensuring high standards in product quality and consumer safety. Euratex has highlighted the detrimental impact of non-compliant goods on consumer safety, environmental sustainability, and the integrity of businesses that adhere to EU regulations. It notes recent findings from the REACH for textiles project suggest a significant compliance issue, with 16% of 400 tested products failing to meet EU standards. Euratex explains this data underscores the necessity for more robust enforcement mechanisms to prevent such products from reaching consumers within the EU. Euratex director general Dirk Vantyghem states: 'With billions of garments entering the EU every year, we simply need a more solid system to monitor compliance of these products. Euratex is looking forward to working together with the European Commission to achieve these important goals.' Last year, Euratex backed the proposed reforms to the EU's customs system but highlighted successful reform will require the EU's de minimis exemption to be abolished immediately. "Shein will engage with EU on low-value import crackdown measures" was originally created and published by Just Style, 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. Sign in to access your portfolio
