EU demands transparency on Amazon’s DSA compliance by July 26

The European Commission has requested additional information from Amazon regarding the company’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), according to a statement released on Friday.

The American e-commerce giant has until July 26 to provide detailed information, especially regarding the transparency of its recommendation systems.

The DSA, a groundbreaking regulation, aims to hold big tech companies accountable for combating illegal and harmful content on their platforms. By enforcing tougher measures, the European Union aims to create a safer and more trustworthy online environment for users.

In response to the Commission’s request, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the company is currently reviewing the details. “We are reviewing this request and working closely with the European Commission. Amazon shares the European Commission’s goal of creating a safe, predictable and trusted shopping environment,” the spokesperson said.

Amazon emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe platform for its customers and sellers. “We believe this is important for all participants in the retail industry and we invest significantly in protecting our store from bad actors and illegal content while providing a trustworthy shopping experience. We have built on this strong foundation with DSA compliance,” the spokesperson added.

The European Commission’s proposal underscores the growing scrutiny big tech companies face over their content moderation practices. As the DSA introduces more stringent requirements, companies like Amazon must demonstrate their efforts to meet these standards. The regulation is part of a broader EU push to regulate digital services and ensure online platforms operate transparently and responsibly.

Amazon, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, is under increasing pressure to address concerns about the content available on its site. The company’s recommendation systems, which suggest products to users based on their browsing and purchase history, are at the heart of the Commission’s investigation. Ensuring transparency of these systems is key to meeting DSA obligations and building consumer trust.

As the July 26 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Amazon’s response and subsequent action by the European Commission. This development underscores ongoing efforts to regulate the digital landscape and hold big tech companies accountable for their role in shaping online content and experiences.