Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000855/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
The Digital Services Act introduces significant obligations for very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs), aiming to enhance transparency, accountability and user protection. However, recent legal challenges by companies such as Amazon and Zalando have raised concerns about the criteria and methodology used to designate platforms as VLOPs. These companies argue that their core business models differ from social media or traditional large-scale digital platforms, and that their inclusion under this category lacks transparency and consistency.
Given the implications of VLOP designation – ranging from increased compliance burdens to potential competitive disadvantages – I seek clarification on the following:
- 1.Criteria and justification: What specific quantitative and qualitative criteria does the Commission use to classify a platform as a VLOP, and how does it ensure that these criteria fairly and accurately reflect the platform’s actual role in the digital ecosystem?
- 2.Appeal and redress mechanisms: What formal procedures exist for companies to challenge their VLOP designation, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misclassification or arbitrary enforcement?
- 3.Consistency across the market: How does the Commission ensure that similar platforms are treated consistently, avoiding discrepancies in the application of VLOP rules that could distort market competition or place disproportionate burdens on certain companies?
Submitted: 26.2.2025