Ulož shifts to private cloud storage, ending public file sharing under the EU's DSA

Czech hosting platform Ulozto.net is altering its business model due to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes obligations on digital intermediaries. The platform, previously fined for hosting copyrighted content and labeled a 'notorious market' by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), will now only allow users to download files they've personally uploaded. This change, commencing December 1, 2023, will transform Ulož from a public file-sharing platform into a private cloud storage service for registered users, in compliance with Czech and European laws.

Despite concerns about over-blocking and limiting access to legal content, Ulož assures users that their files won't be lost due to this transition. Users unsatisfied with the new model can close their accounts or switch to a free package, with refunds for any remaining subscriptions or credits.

The company has acknowledged the DSA's impact on digital services, but has not detailed the specific provisions that have necessitated this change, leaving the exact challenges posed by the legislation open to interpretation.