“Safety by design” in the DSA means building digital services in ways that reduce risk and protect users, especially minors, from the start.

The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union regulation that came into force in 2024.

Instead of treating safety as an afterthought, platforms are expected to integrate protective features into their design and functionality.
Examples include:
Avoiding dark patterns that manipulate users into risky behaviour.
Making privacy and safety settings the default for young users.
Providing clear reporting tools and accessible appeals processes.
Designing algorithms that do not amplify harmful or illegal content.
The principle mirrors approaches in other industries, where safety is engineered into products from the outset.