European Commission Enforces Digital Services Act: Investigates 17 Major Tech Companies for Compliance

The European Commission has initiated a significant move under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect in November last year. In a recent development, the Commission dispatched requests for information to 17 prominent technology companies, identified as very large online platforms (VLOP) and search engines, as part of its efforts to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Among the companies contacted are a range of well-known tech giants and online service providers. These include e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress and Amazon’s Amazon Store, digital application distributors like Apple’s AppStore, travel service Booking.com, social media platforms Facebook and Instagram owned by Meta, as well as Alphabet’s suite of services including Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. Other companies in the list are Microsoft’s LinkedIn and Bing, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and fashion e-commerce site Zalando.

The primary focus of the Commission’s inquiry is to gather information on the measures these companies have implemented to facilitate access to data for researchers. This data is particularly relevant to the upcoming EU and national elections. Additionally, the Commission is seeking insights into the companies’ efforts in combating illegal content and the sale of illicit goods online.

The DSA mandates that very large online platforms and search engines undertake more rigorous actions to address illegal content and potential threats to public security. This legislative framework represents the EU’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more accountable digital environment.

Furthermore, the Commission disclosed that it launched its first investigation under the DSA in December 2023. This probe is targeted at a social media company, referred to as “Company X,” which is suspected of failing to fulfill its obligations under the DSA. This investigation underscores the EU’s determination to enforce compliance with the DSA rigorously and maintain a secure online space for users across the continent.