The European Commission (EC) has decided to take legal action against the Czech Republic, Spain, Cyprus, Poland and Portugal for failure to implement the Digital Services Regulation (DSR).

According to the EC statement, these Member States have not fulfilled their commitments to adapt their national legislation to the DSA rules, which is a key tool for ensuring a safer and more transparent digital environment in the European Union. The matter has been referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which will now consider further action and possible sanctions.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in November 2022, imposes stricter rules on online platforms and digital service providers to combat illegal content, misinformation and protect users' rights. Member States were required to adopt the necessary legal and administrative measures to ensure full compliance with the DSA by 17 February 2024.

Podle tiskové zprávy EK However, the Czech Republic, Spain, Cyprus, Poland and Portugal have neglected this obligation. The Commission first called on these countries to remedy the situation through formal warnings, but their responses were inadequate or completely lacking. This led to the EC's decision to launch infringement proceedings.

In its statement, the EC stresses that the DSA is essential to creating a single and secure digital market in the EU. For example, the regulation sets obligations for platforms such as social networks or e-commerce sites to quickly remove illegal content, improve advertising transparency and better protect consumers. Inadequate implementation in some countries, the Commission says, threatens these objectives and could lead to an uneven playing field in the European market. "Full compliance with the DSA is essential to protect our citizens and businesses in the digital space," the EC said in a press release.

The Court of Justice of the European Union will now examine whether the countries concerned have actually breached their obligations and may impose financial penalties or other sanctions if it finds them guilty. For the Czech Republic and the other defendant countries, this means the need to react quickly and take action to avoid further legal and financial consequences. This move by the EC also sends a clear signal to other Member States that non-compliance with EU rules will not be tolerated.

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