EIMIN: The Seimas adopted amendments to the law on safer digital services
An initiative by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation will make online services, products, and content safer for Lithuanian businesses and citizens, as well as harmonise regulatory procedures across the European Union (EU).
“To reduce the threats posed by the spread of illegal content or disinformation online, we have initiated the necessary changes. They will more effectively protect freedom of expression, reduce discrimination, and safeguard individuals’ privacy and data protection. The changes will also make services and e commerce safer by introducing broader consumer protection measures,” says Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of Economy and Innovation.
The law implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act introduces new obligations for intermediary service providers: online platforms, search engines, hosting, caching, and simple transfer services. These obligations include the introduction of an internal complaints handling system, a mandatory explanation of reasons for blocking content, transparency reports, and a mechanism for reporting and taking action on illegal content.
Safer e-commerce will be ensured by a traceability requirement for e-marketplaces to collect information from traders who use their services. These e-marketplaces will also randomly check that products offered by traders are not illegal or dangerous, and inform consumers if illegal products are sold.
“As part of our efforts to strengthen the protection of personal data, we have made it clear to online platforms that service recipients will not be able to advertise using sensitive data. It will also ensure a high level of privacy and security for minors. We are also limiting arbitrary content moderation decisions by online platforms. This will give users additional rights to take action against a platform, such as social networks, when users’ content is unjustifiably removed or their account is blocked,” says Karolis Žemaitis, Vice-Minister of Economy and Innovation.
The amendment also provides for functions for Lithuanian authorities to ensure safer services, products, and content online. The Communications Regulatory Authority will act as coordinator for digital services: it will enforce the EU’s Digital Services Act, represent Lithuania at EU level, and cooperate with coordinators for digital services in other Member States.
The State Data Protection Inspectorate will enforce the ban on profiling using sensitive data such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation. The Communications Regulatory Authority will work with the State Data Protection Inspectorate to analyse the risks posed by the services of very large internet platforms and internet search engines.
The State Consumer Rights Protection Authority will enforce the provisions on product safety and prevention of consumers being misled on platforms. The Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics will ensure the protection of minors online.
Consumers will be able to complain about breaches of the Digital Services Act to competent authorities in their respective areas.
The amendment to the Law on Information Society Services, drafted by the Ministry, was approved by the Seimas today.
Last updated: 14-06-2024
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