22/07/2026
on : Understanding Your under the EU Digital Services Act
By
Social media platforms have become an important part of our everyday lives. They help us communicate, exchange ideas, build communities and access information. At the same time, they may expose users—particularly children, young people and vulnerable individuals—to cyberbullying, hate speech, online scams, misinformation, privacy violations and harmful or age-inappropriate content.
Creating a safer digital environment is therefore not only a matter of personal responsibility. It also requires clear obligations for online platforms, effective protection of users and stronger digital literacy.
A safer digital environment in the European Union
The European Union has introduced the Digital Services Act (DSA), Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, to make online services safer, fairer and more transparent. The DSA applies to online platforms and services operating within the European Union, including social media networks, online marketplaces and search engines.
Under the DSA, platforms must take greater responsibility for the way they address content, protect users’ fundamental rights and explain how their content moderation and recommendation systems operate.
The legislation does not require platforms to remove every controversial or misleading opinion. Freedom of expression remains a fundamental right. However, platforms must provide accessible mechanisms through which users can report illegal content, services or products and must handle these reports responsibly.
If a platform removes content, restricts its visibility or suspends an account, it must provide the affected user with a clear explanation. Users must also have access to mechanisms for appealing content moderation decisions.
Special protection for children and young people
Children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to harmful content, cyberbullying, grooming, addictive platform design and commercial manipulation. Article 28 of the DSA requires online platforms accessible to minors to introduce appropriate and proportionate measures ensuring a high level of privacy, safety and security.
The ’s 2025 Guidelines on the Protection of Minors recommend measures such as:
• Setting children’s accounts to private by default.
• Giving young users greater control over who can contact them.
• Making it easy to block and report abusive users.
• Preventing strangers from downloading or taking screenshots of content posted by minors, where technically possible.
• Reducing features that encourage excessive or compulsive use.
• Giving minors more control over recommendation systems and the content appearing in their feeds.
• Introducing effective and privacy-preserving age-assurance measures for adult or age-restricted content.
• Providing clear, age-appropriate information about platform rules and user rights.
The DSA also prohibits platforms from presenting targeted advertising to minors when the targeting is based on profiling or the use of their personal data. More broadly, advertisements based on sensitive personal information—including ethnicity, religion, health information, political opinions or sexual orientation—are also prohibited.
Transparency and control over algorithms
Social media feeds are frequently organised by recommendation systems that decide which posts, videos or advertisements users see. These systems may amplify sensational, emotionally charged or divisive content because it attracts attention and increases engagement.
Under the DSA, platforms must provide clearer information about the main criteria used by their recommendation systems. Very large online platforms must also offer users an option that is not based on profiling, such as a chronological feed.
This greater transparency is important, but digital awareness remains essential. Users should remember that what appears on their feed is not necessarily the most accurate, balanced or important information. It may simply be the content that an algorithm predicts will keep them online for longer.
Practical steps for safer social media use
European legislation strengthens user protection, but everyone can take additional steps to improve their online safety:
1. Review privacy settings regularly. Limit access to personal posts, photographs and location information.
2. Use strong and unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication whenever it is available.
3. Think before sharing personal information. Avoid publishing addresses, travel plans, financial details, identity documents or information about children’s routines.
4. Verify information before sharing it. Check the source, publication date, author and supporting evidence. Compare important claims with reliable and independent sources.
5. Be cautious with links and messages. Unexpected requests for money, passwords, personal photographs or verification codes may indicate fraud or identity theft.
6. Report illegal or abusive content. Use the platform’s reporting system and retain screenshots or other evidence when appropriate.
7. Block accounts that threaten or harass you. Do not feel obliged to continue an interaction that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe.
8. Talk to someone you trust. Children and young people should be encouraged to speak with a parent, teacher, youth worker or another trusted adult without fear of blame.
9. Protect your well-being. Take regular breaks, disable unnecessary notifications and avoid comparing your everyday life with carefully selected online images.
10. Ask for professional support when necessary. Serious threats, sexual exploitation, stalking, fraud or persistent harassment may require support from the police or specialised services.
Digital safety is a shared responsibility
A safe online environment cannot be created by users alone. Social media companies must design their services responsibly, public authorities must enforce legislation, and schools, families and civil society organisations must promote digital literacy and inclusive participation.
Social Inclusion Association supports an online environment where everyone—regardless of age, gender, disability, social background or digital experience—can communicate and participate safely. Digital inclusion should not simply mean access to technology. It must also include the knowledge, confidence and protection required to use technology without fear, manipulation or discrimination.
The Digital Services Act represents an important step towards a more accountable digital space. Nevertheless, legislation is most effective when it is combined with education, critical thinking, empathy and active citizenship.
Before you click, share or respond: pause, verify and protect yourself and others.
This article is provided for awareness and educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
: Digital Services Act – , Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 – EUR-Lex, EU .
