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Prepare for the Digital Services Act with Holistic AI

Why work with us:

We conduct an independent third-party audit, in line with the Digital Service Act requirements. The final report will detail the usage of automated content moderation tools, the error rates, and information regarding training and assistance provided to the content moderators.

  • We provide a comprehensive audit solution within two weeks of data receipt, supported by our in-depth legal expertise enabling rapid and effortless compliance.
  • We keep you informed with our timely updates on legal changes, ensuring that your organisation is compliant with the changing regulatory requirements.
  • With our strong focus on compliance, we’re dedicated to providing bespoke plans that address your business needs, fulfilling your regulatory obligations seamlessly.
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What is Digital Services Act and what do you need to do?

The Digital Services Act (DSA) was enacted by the European Commission and came into force on 16 November 2022 to increase the algorithmic transparency of tech companies. It specifies their responsibilities concerning the management of illegal content, the provision of transparent advertising, and the mitigation of disinformation.

With a focus on social media, user-oriented communities, and online services with an advertising-driven business model, the DSA seek to increase algorithmic accountability and content moderation among online platform providers that offer services in the EU.

As of 17 February 2024, the European Union's DSA rules apply to all regulated entities within the European Union, and this date serves as the deadline for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSE) in the EU Member States to provide an annual audit with an independent auditor. However, certain rules will apply to VLOPs and VLOSEs sooner. Both the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are created for a safer digital space and to protect fundamental rights within the European Union. These regulations aim to ensure a secure and rights-respecting online environment for EU citizens.

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Perform an independent third-party audit within four months of designation or by 17 February 2024 +

The EU Commission released the DSA, which consists of composite rules and legal obligations for technology companies – particularly social media and user-oriented online platforms. It also includes clear responsibilities for the EU and member states to enforce these rules and obligations.  Under the new initiative, digital service providers, such as Facebook and Google, must obtain an independent audit from a third-party provider within four months of being designated as a VLOP/VLOSE or by 17 February 2024, whichever is earlier.

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Submit a final report conducted by a third-party auditor +

Under Article 37 of the DSA, online platform providers need to enhance transparency and public accountability through an annual independent audit. The final report of the audit needs to follow auditing methodologies for algorithmic systems, which include provisions ranging from assessments before deploying new features, disclosure requirements, and comprehensive risk assessments. Algorithmic systems include recommendation engines, content moderation technologies, and other features that may use novel technologies like generative AI models.

Online platform providers must submit this report to the European Commission and Digital Services Coordinator of its Member State within a month of receipt from the auditor.  

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Publicly report the usage of content moderation tools +

As part of the effort to increase transparency and algorithmic accountabilities, the DSA requires all online platforms to publicly report how they use automated content moderation tools and the tools’ error rates. Furthermore, they must include information regarding the training and assistance provided to their content moderators.

All online platform providers will be required to disclose the number of removal orders issued by national authorities (enforcers) and all notices about the presence of illegal content trusted flaggers (content moderators) or obtain by automated means.  

Speak with Compliance Expert

We can help you to be ready for the Digital Services Act

Our methodology for independent third-party audits guarantees regular checks on your online platforms' algorithmic performance. This enhances transparency and efficiency, while also ensuring compliance with European Commission's DSA requirements easily.

Prepare an independent third-party audit report

We conduct an independent third-party audit, in line with the Digital Service Act requirements. The final report will detail the usage of automated content moderation tools, the error rates, and information regarding training and assistance provided to the content moderators.

The Final Report will feature a Risk Analysis performed by the auditor to assess the audited provider's compliance, considering:

  • Inherent Risks: Non-compliance risks inherent to the audited service's nature and use context.
  • Control Risks: Undetected or unprevented misstatements due to provider's internal control limitations.
  • Detection Risks: Misstatements missed by the auditor.

Provide risk analysis in the final report

Provide continuous support and insights

Our team of experts, comprised of machine learning engineers, data scientists, business psychologists, and legal and policy experts, stands ready to offer ongoing training and expert insights. This proactive approach towards algorithmic transparency ensures that your online platform remain agile and compliant with the DSA requirements.

Beyond performing the independent third-party audit and compiling the final report, we are also equipped to help you relay these findings to your clients and stakeholders. Our adept team can distil the technical output of the audit into digestible, concise insights that resonate with all interested parties. This approach fosters an understanding of the audit's implications tailored to their distinct interests and promotes transparency within your online platform.

Assistance with client and stakeholder correspondence

FAQs about the Digital Services Act

1. Which providers are covered under the DSA?

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2. What are VLOPs and VLOSEs and who are they?

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3. How does the enforcement work?

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4. What are the penalties for non-compliance of the DSA?

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5. Do I need an audit risk analysis in the report?

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6. What do I need to provide to Holistic AI prior to conducting an audit?

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