ANCOM reminds that the providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) have established rules against misleading use of services, through terms and conditions. The possible misleading use of services can be brought to the attention of or reported to the VLOPs by any individual or entity through dedicated sections on their respective websites.
Very large online platforms are required to include, in their general terms of use, information regarding any restrictions they impose on the use of their services. If platforms impose certain restrictions (e.g. restrictions concerning the visibility of certain information provided by the recipient of the service, including removing content, blocking of access to content, or demoting content, suspension or closure of the account), they are required to provide the affected recipient with a clear and specific explanatory statement regarding the restrictions imposed.
Moreover, VLOPs are required to provide users with access to an effective internal complaint-handling system that allows them to submit complaints – electronically and free of charge – on the decision taken by VLOPs, including on the restriction decisions they impose.
According to DSA, the supervision of the VLOPs is under the shared competence of the European Commission and the DSC of the country of the VLOP establishment.
In relation to the complaint submitted to the Authority by a candidate in the presidential elections on the inauthentic behaviour observed regarding posts on their official accounts on several of the VLOPs, ANCOM has informed the candidate about their rights, as they derive from the obligations of online platforms under DSA, applicable in the reported case.
Furthermore, ANCOM has reached the platforms in question, online, for clarifications regarding its conduct in the reported situation with respect to its obligations under the DSA.
Concomitantly, ANCOM has also informed the European Commission team responsible for the implementation of the Digital Services Act.