The European Union is taking significant steps to regulate the power of online platforms through the Digital Services Act (DSA), a move that could have far-reaching implications across various sectors, including energy. Giovanni De Gregorio from Universidade Católica Portuguesa highlights the DSA’s approach to increasing accountability among very large online platforms and search engines by implementing a structured auditing system.
The DSA aims to enhance transparency and responsibility for content moderation on these platforms, but De Gregorio warns that the audit process may lead to unintended consequences that could undermine the EU’s broader policy goals. He notes that the shift of compliance and enforcement from public authorities to private entities creates a complex system with multiple centers of power. This could complicate the regulatory landscape, especially for industries like energy that increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication and service delivery.
For the energy sector, the implications of the DSA are twofold. On one hand, energy companies may find new opportunities for collaboration with online platforms to improve their services, enhance customer engagement, and foster innovation. For instance, digital platforms can play a crucial role in facilitating energy management solutions, such as smart grids or demand response systems, which require robust data sharing and transparency.
On the other hand, energy firms must navigate the challenges posed by the DSA’s auditing requirements. As platforms become more accountable for the content they host, energy companies that use these platforms for marketing or customer interaction will need to ensure compliance with new regulations. This may involve additional costs and adjustments to their digital strategies.
De Gregorio emphasizes the need for careful consideration of how these regulations are implemented, stating, “The outsourcing of competence and decision-making from public to private actors articulates a system of compliance and enforcement based on multiple centres of power.” This sentiment reflects the concerns of many in the energy sector who are wary of the potential complexities that could arise from the DSA’s framework.
As the energy industry continues to evolve in the digital age, staying informed about regulatory changes like the DSA will be crucial. The insights from De Gregorio’s research, published in “Verfassungsblog,” underline the importance of balancing accountability with efficiency, ensuring that the energy sector can thrive while adhering to new digital regulations.
