European Union: Entry into force of Digital Services Act containing specific compliance rules for very large online platforms

On 16 November 2022, the Regulation of a Single Market for Digital Services (DSA) entered into force. Under the DSA, the "very large online platforms" (VLOPs) and "very large search engines" (VLOSEs) with over 45 million users in the European Union are obliged to pursue systemic risks assessments to monitor the dissemination of illegal content, the adverse effects on fundamental rights and their impact on democratic processes, public security, gender-based violence, and physical or mental health of users. Furthermore, such services will be required to offer a content recommendation system that is not based on the profiling of users. The online platforms, with the exception of micro and small platforms, are required to report the number of monthly users until 17 February 2023, following which the Commission will designate the very large online platforms and very large online search engines. The platforms classified as very large will have 4 months to implement measures to comply with the DSA.