Despite differences in their approach, European lawmakers and countries are hopeful of reaching an agreement by the end of June on proposed new EU tech rules that will see a more spartan approach adopted in online policing.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) proposed by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, forces Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Google, as well as Facebook owner Meta, to do more to tackle illegal content on their platforms or face fines up to 6% of global turnover.

If EU lawmakers and countries can agree to the terms of the proposal, it will serve as a landmark as the DSA is the first of its kind in the world.

One of the key figures behind the bill, lawmaker Christel Schaldemose, said she was “optimistic we can make a deal before the end of June.”

Schaldemose, iterating on the function of the DSA, has said that herself and other EU lawmakers want to increase the obligation of online platforms in protecting its users.

This includes banning the use of dark patterns – which mislead people into giving up personal data – as well continuing to let companies be regulated where they are geographically based.

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Discussing the contrasting opinions across countries on dark patterns, Schaldemose said: “We go into the business models of platforms. The Council is not so willing to go that far.

“The Council wants the ban only for online marketplaces. Parliament wants a ban on all platforms.”

Schaldemose claims that the EU isn’t seeking to completely centralise governance of online mega platforms, with the “country of origin” principle still very much in effect.

As well tightening up practices on big tech platforms through the new EU tech rules, lawmakers are also seeking a ban on targeted adverstising aimed at minors – as well as advertising based on sensitive information such as sexual or political orientation.

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