Happy safe Internet Day 2024.

This year, this day has a special meaning.

It is about ten days

on February 17, 2024.

The Digital Services Act will be applicable

to all Digital Platforms available in Europe.

It will make the online life

of children and teenagers safer,

more private and secure.

Already the 19 largest

platforms have implemented changes

such as new reporting tools for illegal content

and default private settings

for teen accounts.

These changes,

are all due to the DSA.

We are checking whether these first steps are genuine

and what impact they have.

And when we had doubts, we started investigations

and may open formal investigation proceedings

if we suspected infringement.

And more change is coming:

the most stringent obligations

will soon apply to three additional platforms

that were designated

in December and present risk for all kids

being exposed to age-inappropriate content.

And we are also working on

tools for age assurance and verification.

But the safer internet is not only

a matter of rules and their enforcement.

This is why the Safer Internet Day is so important

to raise awareness among all citizens

of the risk and their new rights.

We are working with Member States with help

from the Safer Internet Centers to bring the DSA

where kids spends much of their time: in schools.

We have made available in all the EU official languages

a booklet explaining in simple words

how the DSA protects young citizens online.

And we are equipping young Europeans

with digital skills to stay safe online,

but also to spot the fake news and disinformation.

This is more important than ever.

As we approach, of course, European elections in June,

when some teenagers will be also voting

for the first time in their life.

To conclude, the message is simple and clear.

Our commitment is unwavering.

My team and

I are working hard and will use all the means we have

thanks to the DSA to make the online space safer.