European Union: Announced European Commission assessment of very large online platforms and search engines compliance with DSA obligations on systemic risks mitigation

On 29 November 2024, the European Commission (EC) and Romania's Digital Services Coordinator (ANCOM) convened very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs), state authorities, and civil society organizations to prepare for the Romanian elections. The EC urged platforms to share risk assessments, mitigation measures, and identified threats, in line with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires VLOPs and VLOSEs to analyse and mitigate systemic risks from political advertising and provide transparency notices detailing sponsors, expenditure, targeting, and audience. Convening participants emphasised stakeholder cooperation and researcher access to platform data to address systemic electoral risks.