Every day, internet users encounter advertisements and news that often play on emotions or push for hasty decisions. People also face fake content, misleading advertisements, and unjustified profile blocks, not always understanding how to act in such situations. The Digital Services Act has been introduced in Latvia, establishing stricter requirements for the activities of social platforms, reports TV3 News.
To make the digital environment safer and protect consumers, the Digital Services Act has come into force in Latvia — a regulation of the European Union that tightens requirements for internet platforms, limits the spread of false content, and expands users' rights to self-protection.
The Consumer Rights Protection Center received nearly 60 complaints about social media actions this year. Most often, people are dissatisfied with unjustified profile blocks and unclear complaint handling procedures. Platforms often evade communication with users; however, the Digital Services Act requires them to respond to users and explain their decisions.
"Often, blocks occur automatically and without justification — in about half of the cases. This may be due to an AI-based tool that detects suspicious content or signs of violations, ultimately deeming a user's account suspicious even if no violations occurred and blocking it," explains Sanita Gertmane, a representative of the Consumer Rights Protection Center.
She adds: "At the same time, in just under half of the cases, we see that the user did indeed violate the platform's rules. It is absolutely unacceptable to spread content related to hate speech or insults towards others."
Respondents interviewed by TV3 acknowledge: the internet seems convenient and safe until some advertisement or link hides a scam.
"Advertisements annoy me, I try to avoid scammers, so far I haven't been deceived, but as they say, never say never. I'm not very savvy in the digital environment, I struggle with e-signatures, and I rarely use them. Sending and receiving emails — that's something I can do," shares Juris.
"When I shop online, I only go to the official website of the store. I always check emails and links — everything needs to be thoroughly examined before entering personal data," says Keriya.
To help people feel safer online, the CRPC, as part of the campaign "The Internet is Not a Fairy Tale. Know the Tricks!" reminds of five simple steps:
- Don’t click immediately — think about offers and advertisements.
- Check privacy and cookie settings — allow data collection only for necessary cookies.
- Control displayed content — use platform features to hide or mark unwanted content.
- Trust only official sources and secure websites.
- Recognize emotional manipulation — fear or urgency often indicate an attempt to influence your behavior.
If contacting the internet platform is unsuccessful or it does not resolve the issue, people are advised to seek help from the Consumer Rights Protection Center.
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