Amazon EU: Platform Rules Challenge
- Amazon is challenging the European Union's Digital services Act (DSA), arguing it should not be subject to the stringent regulations designed for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).
- The DSA, which took effect in 2023, mandates platforms to actively prevent illegal online activities and combat disinformation.
- An Amazon spokesperson stated the DSA is meant for companies "with advertising as their primary revenue and that distribute speech and information." The spokesperson added that the Amazon...
Amazon’s fight against the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is heating up as the e-commerce giant challenges its Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) status. The heart of the matter? Amazon claims its marketplace model doesn’t present the systemic risks the DSA targets, unlike platforms leveraging advertising. This move, which puts primarykeyword “Amazon” and secondarykeyword “Digital Services Act” at odds, is a direct challenge to stringent regulations designed to combat illegal online activities and disinformation. Consumer groups like BEUC are intervening, stressing the importance of the DSA in protecting consumers from illicit practices prevalent on marketplaces. Concurrently, Zalando contests its VLOP designation, adding another layer of complexity. The upcoming court rulings hold massive implications; they could significantly reshape how online platforms are regulated across the EU. For the latest updates, you no where to go: News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as these cases unfold.
Amazon challenges EU’s Digital Services Act Over Systemic Risk Role
Updated June 11, 2025
Amazon is challenging the European Union’s Digital services Act (DSA), arguing it should not be subject to the stringent regulations designed for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The company contends that its online marketplace does not pose the systemic risks the DSA aims to address, as it primarily facilitates sales and does not disseminate details like platforms with advertising-based revenue models.
The DSA, which took effect in 2023, mandates platforms to actively prevent illegal online activities and combat disinformation. VLOPs, defined as having over 45 million monthly users, face the strictest requirements.
An Amazon spokesperson stated the DSA is meant for companies “with advertising as their primary revenue and that distribute speech and information.” The spokesperson added that the Amazon store ”does not pose any such systemic risks; it only sells goods, and it doesn’t disseminate or amplify information, views or opinions.”
Consumer advocacy group BEUC is intervening in the case, siding with the european Commission. They argue that illegal products are frequently found on marketplaces like Amazon.Agustín Reyna, BEUC’s director general, emphasized the importance of applying the DSA fully to amazon to protect consumers from illegal practices.
The European Commission has initiated several investigations into potential DSA breaches by platforms including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, and AliExpress.A probe into Temu, concerning the sale of illegal products, is also underway.
German fashion website Zalando is similarly challenging its VLOP designation. Zalando argues its “hybrid business model” and the EU’s method for calculating user numbers are flawed. A ruling in favor of Zalando could impact other platforms with similar models, including Amazon, Pornhub, and Xvideos.
The court is expected to issue rulings in both the Amazon and Zalando cases at a later date.
What’s next
The European court’s decisions in the Amazon and Zalando cases could reshape the application of the Digital Services Act, potentially impacting how online platforms are regulated across the EU.