The Digital Services Act in action: Recent developments and why they matter
How new EU rules strengthen online rights, transparency and access to data
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a key piece of European legislation that sets out clear rules for online services used by people across the European Union. This includes social media platforms, online marketplaces, app stores, and travel or accommodation websites. The DSA aims to create a safer and more trustworthy digital environment by protecting fundamental rights online and ensuring that digital services operate responsibly across the EU.
Recent developments show how the DSA is now being actively enforced. The European Commission has launched a new investigation into X, extending an ongoing case to assess how the platform manages risks linked to its recommender systems and the deployment of Grok’s functionalities in the EU. The investigation focuses on whether X properly assessed and mitigated risks such as the spread of illegal content, including manipulated sexually explicit material, and broader harms to users’ physical and mental wellbeing. At the same time, the Commission continues to work with large online marketplaces through targeted workshops to strengthen the protection of minors, addressing issues such as age assurance, interface design and manipulative commercial practices.
Data and transparency are central to these actions. In December 2025, the Commission fined X €120 million for breaching its DSA transparency obligations. The case highlighted deceptive design practices, shortcomings in advertising transparency, and failures to provide researchers with access to public platform data. These elements are essential for enabling independent scrutiny, risk analysis and evidence‑based oversight of online platforms.
Looking for the most recent updates on how the Digital Services Act is being implemented and enforced? Explore the latest news and resources on the European Commission’s Digital Services Act page!
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