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In Effect Law Online Safety

DSA

Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act)

Comprehensive platform regulation with tiered obligations. VLOPs (45M+ EU users) face systemic risk assessments, algorithmic transparency, and independent audits.

Jurisdiction

European Union

Enacted

Nov 16, 2022

Effective

Feb 17, 2024

Enforcement

European Commission (VLOPs); National Digital Services Coordinators

EUR-Lex

Why It Matters

Risk assessments must address negative effects on minors' mental wellbeing. First major enforcement actions demonstrate teeth.

Recent Developments

Dec 5, 2025: €120M fine on X for transparency violations (deceptive blue checkmarks €45M, ad transparency €35M, researcher access €40M). Active proceedings against TikTok, Meta, AliExpress.

At a Glance

Applies to

Social PlatformOnline PlatformRecommender System

Who Must Comply

  • Digital intermediaries (tiered by size)
  • Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs): 45M+ EU monthly users
  • Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs)

Obligations fall on:

Applicability thresholds:

45M EU users/month (VLOP) — Systemic risk assessment, algorithmic transparency, independent audits

Safety Provisions

  • VLOPs must conduct systemic risk assessments including mental health impacts
  • Algorithmic transparency: explain recommender parameters, offer non-profiling option
  • Prohibition on targeted advertising to known minors
  • Researcher data access requirements
  • Independent annual audits

Compliance & Enforcement

Key Dates

Aug 25, 2023

VLOPs and VLOSEs compliance deadline

Feb 17, 2024

Full application to all in-scope platforms

Member state Digital Services Coordinators operational

Penalties

6% revenue

View on map

European Union

Focus Areas

Mental health & crisis
Child safety
Algorithmic accountability
Active safeguards required

Compliance Help

Requires systems to assess mental health risks; mechanisms to detect and mitigate illegal content; annual audits demonstrating safeguards work.

See how NOPE helps

Cite This

APA

European Union. (2022). Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act).

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All regulations Check if this applies to you

Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.