What are risk assessments under the DSA?

Risk assessments are structured evaluations that Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) must carry out under the DSA.

Their purpose is to identify systemic risks that may arise from the platform’s design, algorithms, or services.
These assessments look at how platforms may contribute to the spread of illegal content, disinformation, manipulation, or harms to fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, or child protection. The process must be documented, updated regularly, and shared with regulators.
The ultimate aim is proactive governance: instead of reacting to harm, platforms must understand their risks in advance and put mitigation measures in place.