Digital Services Act
EU Law on Digital Services
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065
The DSA creates uniform rules for online platforms, marketplaces, app stores, and social networks in the EU. It mandates transparency, content moderation, and accountability – graduated by platform size and influence.
The DSA applies to all online services since February 2024. Non-compliant services risk fines of up to 6% of annual turnover.
Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065
Feb. 2024
Valid since
6% turnover
Max. fine
45M users
VLOP threshold
Federal Network Agency
Authority (DE)
Graduated obligations by platform size
The DSA distinguishes four categories with different requirements. The greater the platform's influence, the stricter the obligations.
Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs)
≥ 45M monthly users in the EU
Meta, Google, Amazon, TikTok, Wikipedia
- Strictest requirements
- Algorithm audits
- Systemic risk assessment
- Data sharing with researchers
- Annual transparency report
Large Online Platforms
Medium-sized services
Mid-size marketplaces, larger social media
- Extended obligations
- Internal complaint mechanism
- Out-of-court dispute resolution
- Annual transparency report
Small & Medium Platforms
All other online platforms
SME marketplaces, forums, smaller apps
- Basic obligations
- Transparent terms of service
- Reporting channels for illegal content
- Cooperation with authorities
Micro/Small (largely exempt)
< 45 employees or < EUR 10M turnover
Micro providers, startups
- Minimum obligations only
- No extended transparency reports
- Cooperation with authorities for illegal content
What does the DSA specifically require?
The DSA's core obligations apply to all platforms – with additional requirements for larger services.
Transparent terms of service
All platforms must formulate their terms of service clearly and understandably.
Content moderation & reporting
Users must be able to easily report illegal content.
Advertising transparency
Advertising must be clearly marked as such.
Algorithm transparency
Platforms must explain recommendation systems.
Minor protection
Advertising must not be targeted at minors.
Annual transparency report
Online platforms must report annually on content moderation.
Deadlines & Timeline
DSA applies to VLOPs
The DSA already applies fully to Very Large Online Platforms.
DSA applies to all
All online services are bound by the DSA from this date.
Currently valid – compliance requiredEnforcement & fines
EU Commission and national coordinators are actively checking.
How we help with DSA compliance
From classifying your service to ongoing compliance assurance.
Classification & Assessment
We determine which DSA category your service falls into.
- Determine service category
- Check processes for DSA conformity
- Identify content moderation gaps
- Analyze advertising practices
Processes & Documentation
We implement all DSA requirements.
- Set up reporting channels
- Revise terms of service
- Implement advertising transparency
- Build transparency report
- Implement minor protection
Ongoing Compliance
DSA compliance is a continuous process.
- Annual transparency reports
- Design new features DSA-compliant
- Training for moderation teams
- Answer authority inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Services Act
Your online service: DSA-compliant?
Let us check which DSA obligations apply to your service.
Schedule free initial consultationWe will get back to you within 24 hours.