The Digital Regulators Collaboration Platform (in Dutch, Samenwerkingsplatform Digitale Toezichthouders or SDT) oversees regulation in the digital sector. It also consolidates expertise and experience in this area. The first two outcomes of this consolidation have recently been published. They have set joint principles for effective online information dissemination. Additionally, they have prepared guidelines for online child marketing.
Organisations must design their information dissemination with the effectiveness of the provided information in mind. The regulators have established four principles for this purpose:
- Ensure information is findable and understandable.
- Apply behavioural and communication insights to achieve this.
- Thoroughly verify the information’s accessibility and clarity.
- Use additional tools alongside information provision, such as audience segmentation or optimising the choice environment.
Protecting children
Children are particularly susceptible to influence. For this reason, the regulators have laid out four principles, making it clear how they interpret legal standards for child protection:
- Advertising and marketing techniques must not inappropriately influence children or exploit their vulnerabilities.
- Information regarding the commercial intent of an advertisement, vlog, or service must be suitable and clear for children.
- Prohibit the profiling of children for advertising and marketing purposes.
- Target organisations developing and utilising advertising or marketing techniques likely viewed by children. The aim is to prevent unfair data processing, deception, and inappropriate influence on children.
Digital Regulators Collaboration Platform
The SDT, established in 2021 by the Netherlands Authority of Consumers and Markets (ACM), the Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), the Data Protection Authority (AP), and the Media Authority (CvdM), enables the alignment of each entity’s regulatory activities in the digital space. The SDT explores opportunities and risks in the digital society, investing in knowledge and skills to ensure efficient and effective supervision of (European) legislation.
The SDT operates a general chambers for dialogue. The collaboration expands with two additional chambers: A DSA Chamber focusing on digital services such as online platforms, and an Algorithm & AI Chamber involving other regulators.
More information
SDT Regulators Expand Collaboration in Digital Supervision (news item by the Data Protection Authority in Dutch).
