The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has started handling complaints under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). However, its ability to enforce the rules is delayed until the national parliament transposes the law, expected in the coming months.
Martijn Snoep, ACM Chairman, emphasised a neutral and non-confrontational approach to enforcement. Speaking to Euronews, Snoep downplayed past clashes between Big Tech figures like Elon Musk and EU officials, calling such disputes “exaggerations.” He stated the focus would broaden beyond major platforms to include smaller ones over time.
The DSA, effective since February 2023, aims to increase transparency, protect users, and ensure compliance from platforms. The law places stricter obligations on the largest platforms, such as Amazon and Meta, which must adhere to rules on transparency and election integrity. ACM, as the Digital Services Coordinator, is tasked with overseeing compliance for companies based in the Netherlands.
The regulator’s enforcement priorities include ensuring platforms meet basic rules, protecting minors, and scrutinising hosting providers. Snoep stressed that action requires thorough research, particularly for hosting companies suspected of non-compliance. While ACM has received 227 complaints, including 92 against Netherlands-based firms, it lacks formal enforcement powers until the law is fully implemented.
Snoep advised against rushing new regulations, advocating instead for focusing resources on enforcing existing laws. “This shift from an unregulated to a regulated market will take years,” he said, adding that full compliance is unlikely but achievable through prioritisation.
The European Commission also prioritises child safety under the DSA, with further guidelines anticipated by spring 2025.
