In a significant legal decision that impacts major tech companies, a European Union court has firmly rejected Amazon's challenge against the bloc's comprehensive digital content legislation. The ruling confirms that the American tech giant must adhere to the strict regulations outlined in the Digital Services Act.
Court Dismisses Amazon's Legal Challenge
The Luxembourg-based General Court, which serves as the lower chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union, delivered its verdict on Wednesday. The court explicitly stated that Amazon's action against the European Commission's decision designating Amazon Store as a 'very large online platform' has been dismissed.
This legal battle centered around Amazon's opposition to the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Union's landmark legislation that mandates online platforms to implement stronger user protection measures. The law specifically requires marketplaces to actively combat the spread of illegal goods and content across their digital ecosystems.
What the Digital Services Act Requires
Under the DSA framework, the European Commission maintains a list of 'very large online platforms' that must comply with enhanced regulatory requirements. Platforms qualify for this designation if they have more than 45 million monthly active users within the European Union. Due to their substantial size and market influence, these platforms face significantly stricter rules compared to smaller digital services.
The General Court clarified that Amazon had contested the legality of specific obligations imposed by the DSA, including transparency requirements, cooperation mandates, and data access provisions. The company argued that Brussels had violated several fundamental rights protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amazon's Legal Arguments and Court's Response
Amazon's legal team presented multiple arguments claiming that the DSA infringed upon their protected rights. The company specifically cited violations of freedom to conduct business, freedom of expression and information, and protection of confidential information.
However, the court ultimately rejected these arguments, upholding the European Commission's authority to designate Amazon Store as a very large online platform. This decision reinforces the EU's position that large digital platforms bear greater responsibility for content moderation and user protection due to their extensive reach and influence.
The ruling represents a significant victory for European regulators seeking to create a safer digital environment while ensuring that tech giants operate with greater accountability and transparency across the European market.
