All regulations / EU Platforms
DSA
Know the rule before it knows you.
If users can post, sell or be recommended things on your service, the DSA shapes your product.
What it is
The DSA sets rules for intermediaries: hosting services, online platforms and marketplaces, and very large platforms and search engines. It covers how illegal content is handled, how users are informed and can complain, how recommender systems and advertising are explained, how traders on marketplaces are verified, and how minors are protected.
This applies to you if
- You host user-generated content, reviews, listings or messages
- You run a marketplace, app store, social, dating, travel or community platform
- You rank or recommend content or offers to EU users
- You sell advertising on your service
What it asks of you
- A notice-and-action mechanism for illegal content, with statements of reasons to affected users
- An internal complaint system and cooperation with out-of-court dispute bodies
- Terms that explain moderation and recommender logic; an option to switch off profiling-based recommendations
- Advertising transparency and no profiling-based ads to minors
- Know-your-business-customer checks for marketplace traders
- Transparency reports and designated points of contact for authorities and users
What it costs to ignore
Fines up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover, periodic penalties, and for very large platforms direct enforcement by the European Commission.
Key dates
Fully applicable since 17 February 2024. In the Netherlands the ACM is the Digital Services Coordinator.
How we help
Not sure which apply to you? Send us three lines about what you sell and to whom, and we will tell you which rules matter and which do not.
Have a regulatory question?
Send a short description of your situation. We reply within one working day, usually with a view on scope and a fixed fee where possible.