What is a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA?
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Questions & Answer
A Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) is defined in the DSA as an online service with more than 45 million average monthly active users in the EU — roughly 10% of the EU population.
This threshold ensures that the rules apply to platforms with systemic impact on public discourse, safety, and the digital economy.
VLOPs, along with Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs), must meet enhanced obligations beyond those of smaller platforms. These include:
Conducting annual systemic risk assessments.
Providing data access to vetted researchers for transparency.
Undergoing independent audits.
Creating crisis response protocols to mitigate harm during emergencies.
Examples of likely VLOPs include large social networks, video-sharing sites, and major e-commerce platforms.
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