Assistant lawyer Nikola Cīparsone compiled the material.
Technology / data protection
Digital Services Act starts applying to all online platforms in the EU
Applicable since: 17 February 2024
Digital Services Act (DSA), a significant regulatory framework of the EU designed to enhance safety, fairness, and transparency in the online environment, becomes applicable to all online intermediaries within the EU starting from February 17th.
Commission initiates formal proceedings against TikTok under the DSA
Start date: 19 February 2024
The European Commission has started formal proceedings under the DSA to establish whether TikTok has breached the protection of minors. Advertising transparency, data access for researchers, and the risk management of addictive design and harmful content.
Data protection
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) provides clarification on the concept of main establishment and urges EU lawmakers to ensure that the CSAM Regulation upholds individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection
Opinion adopted: 13 February 2024
The EDPB suggests that a controller’s “place of central administration” within the EU can be deemed as a main establishment according to Article 4(16)(a) of the GDPR only if it is responsible for determining the purposes and methods of processing personal data and possesses the authority to enforce such decisions.
Technology
Commission Decision – Establishment of the European Artificial Intelligence Office
Entry into force: 21 February 2024
Acknowledging the rapid evolution and potential risks of AI, the European Commission has established the European Artificial Intelligence Office with a purpose of overseeing the development and use of AI, as well as implementing and enforcing forthcoming regulations.
Other
Humanitarian action – EU introduces exception to sanctions
Decision: 14 February 2024
Council of the EU made a decision to amend the EU framework on restrictive measures aimed at combating terrorism by introducing a humanitarian provision to exempt certain assets from freezing measures, initially for a period of 12 months.
Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities – political agreement reached
Agreement reached: 8 February 2024
The Directive was proposed in September 2023. The implementation of a standardized European Disability Card along with enhancements to the European Parking Card will facilitate recognition of disability status and equal access to special conditions and preferential treatment across the EU, during short-term stays in other EU countries.
