Waze from Alphabet: Breaking New Ground in Combating Illegal Online Content under the DSA

Waze, the navigation app owned by Alphabet $GOOG, is demonstrating its commitment to intensify efforts against illegal online content. Having reached a key user threshold as defined by the European Union's new technological regulations, the company now faces stricter oversight. Meanwhile, adult content platforms such are expected to comply with less rigorous requirements due to a drop in their user numbers.

New EU Regulatory Requirements

According to the Digital Services Act (DSA), online platforms serving more than 45 million average monthly users within the 27 EU countries are classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOP). This classification imposes tougher regulatory measures. Thomas Regnie, a representative of the European Commission, confirmed via email that Waze’s reported user data exceeds this critical threshold.

Impact on Waze by Alphabet

Waze reported that its average monthly user base reached 50.5 million from July to December 2024. As a result, the company is compelled to:

1. Enhance measures to fight illegal online content  

2. Comply with the stringent digital security standards set by the EU  

3. Update its internal content moderation processes

Additionally, to successfully adapt to these new regulations, Waze is exploring the integration of advanced monitoring and control technologies.

Comparison with Adult Content Platforms

While Waze is now subject to stricter content control measures, three major adult platforms face lighter regulatory conditions. This divergence is attributed to a significant reduction in their user base during the latter half of last year. Key aspects include:

- A notable decrease in audience size, leading to a potential relaxation of regulatory requirements  

- Adapted regulatory measures for adult platforms reflecting their lower usage statistics  

- In contrast to Waze’s tightening standards, platforms with declining user numbers will benefit from less stringent rules

Core Regulatory Aspects and Their Significance

The provisions outlined in the DSA are designed to ensure safe and responsible management of online content. Key points include:

• Greater accountability for platforms in controlling the spread of illegal content  

• Implementation of rapid response systems to address violations of digital standards  

• Integration of more sophisticated methods for content monitoring and moderation

It is also important to note that these new norms promote enhanced communication between online platforms and regulatory authorities, fostering greater transparency and integrity in the digital environment.

Conclusion

The new EU requirements under the Digital Services Act significantly reshape the framework for major online platforms. With Waze reaching a crucial user milestone, Alphabet must adapt its internal processes to meet the stricter content moderation standards. In contrast, the decline in users on adult content sites enables a more lenient approach to regulation for these platforms. This balanced strategy underscores the EU's commitment to ensuring both the protection of users and the freedom of online expression.