The Commission has launched the Digital Services Act (DSA) Transparency Database, putting in action one of the many ground-breaking transparency features mandated by the DSA.
Currently, under the DSA, providers of hosting services are required to openly share information with their users, when they remove or restrict access to their content. These announcements are called “statements of reasons” and the new Transparency Database will collect these statements and include them in a single database.
From February 2024 onwards, all providers of online platforms (except micro and small enterprises) will need to submit their data on their content moderation decisions to the database, as part of their compliance with the DSA.
The Transparency Database is the means for all users to act in a more informed manner on the spread of illegal and harmful content online. Currently, it provides the option to view summary statistics, search for specific statements of reasons, and download data. The Commission’s next steps are to also include analytic, and visualisation features on the database.
Useful links:
DSA Transparency Database feedback form
The 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation
The Digital Services Act: ensuring a safe and accountable online environment