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Big Tech platforms including Apple, Google, and Twitter, have given monthly user data to the European Union, to comply with stringent content regulations.
The companies had until February 17, 2023, to self-report their number of monthly users to the EU. Under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), any such firm with over 45 million users are required to comply with auditing, risk management, and data sharing with the authorities.
According to Reuters, Apple, Google, Meta, and Twitter, have all confirmed that they exceed the 45 million user threshold. In Apple's case, the company claimed that only its iOS App Store exceeded 45 million users — but that it would also voluntarily apply the DSA rules to its Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV app stores.
"Apple intends, on an entirely voluntary basis, to align each of the existing versions of the App Store (including those that do not currently meet the VLOP designation threshold) with the existing DSA requirements for VLOPs," said the company in a statement, "because the goals of the DSA align with Apple's goals to protect consumers from illegal content."
Twitter reported having 100.9 million monthly users in the EU. Alphabet, Google's parent company, said the monthly total of signed-in users was 278.6 million for Google Maps, 274.6 million at Google Play, 332 million for Google Search, 74.9 million in shopping, and 401.7 million on YouTube.
Meta reported 255 million average monthly users on Facebook, in the EU, and around 250 million on Instagram.
Ebay also reported its numbers to the EU, but said that it is below the 45 million threshold.
The Digital Services Act is designed to place restrictions on online content and moderation. It concerns making Big Tech firms responsible for policing and taking down illegal content.
