Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines
Platforms and search engines with 45 million or more monthly active users in the EU are designated as 'very large' and face additional obligations due to their systemic importance.
Designation Criteria
Services are designated when their average monthly active recipients in the EU reaches 45 million (10% of EU population). Designation is based on data submitted by providers and verified by the Commission.
Additional Obligations
- Risk Assessments: Annual assessments of systemic risks including illegal content dissemination, fundamental rights impacts, electoral processes, civic discourse, gender-based violence, minors' protection, and mental health impacts
- Risk Mitigation: System-wide measures to address identified risks
- Independent Audits: Annual compliance audits by certified independent auditors
- Recommender System Transparency: Users must have access to at least one option not based on profiling
- Advertising Repository: Public database of all advertisements with targeting criteria
- Data Access: Provide researchers access to publicly available data
- Crisis Response: Rapid response measures during public emergencies
- Compliance Function: Independent compliance officer reporting to top management
Enhanced Enforcement
The European Commission directly supervises VLOPs and VLOSEs, with powers to impose fines up to 6% of global annual turnover.