Netherlands: Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets opened investigation into Snapchat over alleged violations of Digital Services Act concerning illegal vape trade to minors

On 9 September 2025, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) opened an investigation into the online platform Snapchat in connection with the illegal trade of vapourisers to minors, following an enforcement request submitted at the end of August by the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation. The investigation focuses on whether Snapchat complies with the requirements of the Digital Services Act (DSA), in particular its obligations to take appropriate and proportionate measures to protect minors from illegal and harmful content. As Snapchat is designated a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), the ACM is coordinating closely with the European Commission, which exercises direct supervision over VLOPs under the DSA. The ACM stated it would not provide further details during the proceedings, the duration of which depends on the progress of the case, but confirmed that non-compliance could lead to enforcement measures such as a binding instruction, fines, or periodic penalty payments. The ACM clarified that while the DSA regulates processes for handling reports of illegal content and the safeguarding of minors, substantive illegality, such as the ban on online vape sales under the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Act, remains subject to oversight by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).