This Hungarian authority could block websites disliked by the government

The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) will continue to expand its control in 2024 as it does every year. GVH is set to expand its arsenal with new powers, granting it the authority to shut down websites engaged in unfair practices. 

Strengthening digital oversight with the EU DSA Regulation

According to Infostart, Bálint Horváth, head of communications at the GVH, emphasised the significance of these changes, particularly in the realm of online activities. Commencing in February, the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) Regulation will become mandatory, marking a pivotal moment for the GVH. Bálint Horváth highlighted the important role the GVH will play in implementing the DSA. The authority will conduct targeted inspections in the digital space, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Enhanced enforcement capabilities: Shutting down websites

Come March, the GVH’s enforcement capabilities will undergo a significant boost. During its proceedings, the authority will have the power to take swift action against infringing websites during its proceedings.

If, in the course of its proceedings, the GVH finds that an internet platform is engaged in an illegal commercial practice that is particularly harmful, it can immediately take action to block the website

affirmed the spokesperson.

Future tasks and market interventions

Looking ahead to 2024, the GVH is poised to take on additional tasks. An autumn investigation into the online accommodation booking market has spurred this development. Furthermore, Bálint Horváth shared insights into the upcoming developments. He stated that experts at the GVH have proposed interventions based on the experiences gleaned from the investigation.

Inequality in the accommodation booking market

One pressing concern identified by the GVH revolves around the vulnerable and unequal relationship between Hungarian accommodation providers and major online platforms. Horváth disclosed that, based on their experience, a new proposal has been prepared. This proposal, arising from the investigation, is set for parliamentary discussion. The proposal aims to extend the powers of the GVH. This extension seeks to ensure a more equitable landscape and safeguard both bookers and accommodation providers.

Based on their experience, the GVH experts recommended several important points of intervention to the legislators in order to protect accommodation bookers and accommodation providers

explained Bálint Horváth.

We saw that a vulnerable, unequal situation had arisen between Hungarian accommodation providers and large online platforms, among which the market leader stands out, which is practically dominant – the Dutch-owned Booking.com. A new proposal has been prepared, and this proposal will be discussed by the Parliament. Based on these discussions, the powers of the GVH will be expanded so that there is no vulnerable situation.

All in all, the situation makes one wonder if regulating the internet is a necessary precaution against possible harms or if it runs the risk of violating the ideals of open access and free speech.

Read also:

• Hungarian Competition Authority opens new investigation against Wizz Air
• Hungarian authority launches expedited investigation against Booking.com

Source: Infostart