Google, Facebook face online tracking restrictions that could limit ads

According to measures adopted on Tuesday by the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, the new rules will limit the targeting of ads to minors and completely ban so-called “dark patterns” where platforms allow people to be tracked online. give consent. Another controversial amendment passed would require anyone uploading content to porn sites to register. The rules were first reported by Bloomberg.

The proposals will be added to the Digital Services Act, a measure put in place by the European Commission last year to regulate online content, which requires removing illegal posts and making information about algorithms available to researchers.

Christel Schaldemos, the committee’s lead negotiator in parliament, said, “We need to take back control of the platforms, the tech giants. They create problems for democracy, they’re not doing enough to protect consumers and they’re going to make a difference.” Not doing enough is a level playing field. They have a kind of monopoly.”

The rules could come into force as early as 2023, but face difficult negotiations with EU countries and the Commission as early as next year that could lead to delays.

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen told the European Parliament in November that the Digital Services Act has the potential to become a “global gold standard” for holding giant internet companies accountable.

The proposal still needs to be approved by the full European Parliament in January, when it will face a push for a complete ban on targeted advertising. MPs would then need to negotiate with the European Commission and EU countries, both of which proposed less stringent rules.

This week parliament is set to approve the Digital Markets Act, new rules that will rein in the anti-competitive behavior of big tech companies.