Digital Services Act Compliance Guide
Navigate DSA compliance with our comprehensive roadmap. From platform classification to ongoing obligations, implement requirements systematically based on your platform type and size.
DSA Compliance in Plain English
DSA compliance means implementing platform obligations that match your size and risk level. Small hosting services have light obligations, while large platforms must build comprehensive content governance systems.
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Start Your DSA Compliance Journey
Choose your approach based on platform type and current status
Your 5-Step Path to DSA Compliance Compliance
Follow these steps to achieve full compliance. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a comprehensive compliance program.
1. Platform Classification
Determine your DSA category and applicable obligations
Key Actions
- Calculate monthly active EU users
- Identify your service type (hosting, platform, search)
- Determine if you qualify as large or very large platform
- Document your classification and reasoning
Available Tools
Real Examples
2. Notice & Takedown System
Implement illegal content notification and removal processes
Key Actions
- Create user-friendly notice submission forms
- Establish content review and decision workflows
- Implement automated acknowledgment systems
- Set up appeals and counter-notice procedures
Available Tools
Real Examples
3. Transparency Reporting
Implement reporting obligations for content moderation activities
Key Actions
- Set up content moderation metrics collection
- Create transparency report templates
- Implement automated data aggregation
- Publish regular transparency reports
Available Tools
Real Examples
4. Risk Assessment (Large Platforms)
Conduct systematic risk assessments for societal impact
Key Actions
- Identify potential systemic risks
- Assess impact on fundamental rights
- Develop risk mitigation measures
- Document risk management framework
Available Tools
Real Examples
5. Compliance Governance
Establish ongoing DSA compliance management
Key Actions
- Appoint compliance officer (if required)
- Create compliance monitoring systems
- Establish regular review processes
- Implement staff training programs
Available Tools
Real Examples
What DSA Compliance Actually Requires You to Do
Notice & Takedown
All platforms must handle illegal content notices
- • Notice submission systems
- • 24-hour acknowledgment
- • Expedited removal
- • Appeal procedures
Transparency Reports
Large platforms must publish detailed reports
- • Content moderation data
- • Policy enforcement stats
- • Appeal outcomes
- • Risk mitigation measures
Risk Assessment
Large platforms must assess systemic risks
- • Annual risk assessments
- • Mitigation measures
- • Independent audits
- • Crisis response protocols
Compliance Officer
VLOPs need dedicated compliance function
- • EU-based compliance officer
- • Direct board access
- • Resource allocation
- • Annual reporting
Content Policies
Clear, accessible content moderation rules
- • Plain language policies
- • Regular updates
- • User notification
- • Appeal procedures
User Education
Educate users about platform policies and rights
- • User-friendly explanations
- • Rights information
- • How-to guides
- • Regular updates
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Common DSA Compliance Questions
How do I determine my platform category under DSA?
DSA categories depend on service type and user count:
- Hosting services: Basic web hosting, cloud storage, CDNs
- Online platforms: Social media, marketplaces, app stores
- Large platforms: 45M+ monthly active EU users
- Very Large Platforms: Designated by European Commission
- Search engines: Have separate but similar obligations
What content moderation is required under DSA?
Content moderation requirements scale with platform size:
- All platforms: Remove illegal content upon notice
- Online platforms: Implement terms of service consistently
- Large platforms: Proactive risk mitigation measures
- VLOPs: Comprehensive content governance systems
- Must provide clear appeal procedures for all decisions
When do I need a compliance officer?
Very Large Online Platforms must appoint compliance officers:
- Required for platforms designated as VLOPs
- Must be based in EU member state
- Direct access to senior management
- Responsible for ensuring DSA compliance
- Annual compliance reports to Commission
What are transparency reporting obligations?
Large platforms must publish detailed transparency reports:
- Content moderation actions and statistics
- Use of automated decision-making systems
- Appeal procedures and outcomes
- Risk assessment and mitigation measures
- Reports must be published at least annually
Ready to Achieve DSA Compliance?
DSA compliance requirements are complex and platform-specific. Get expert guidance to implement the right measures for your platform type.