De Staat @ Best Kept Secret 2023. Photo credit: Lotte Spek / Festileaks
Attentive users of the Festileaks forum have discovered that the chatbot on the Pinkpop website reveals a number of names that may appear at pinkpop 2026. Thes are De Staat, halsey and Electric Callboy.
UPDATE: In response to this article, the pinkpop association has now stated that the chatbot’s claims are incorrect. Read the full statement here.
de Staat, Halsey and Electric Callboy are coming to Pinkpop 2026. At least, if we are to believe the chatbot on the website. This was discovered by attentive users of the Festileaks forum. As it concerns a chatbot, we will have to wait until the declaration from the organization before we can be certain.
Pinkpop previously released a large part of the line-up. The poster features, among others, Twenty One Pilots, The Cure, Zara Larsson and Teddy Swims. Also on the poster is the organization’s dream headliner, namely Foo Fighters.
in our Festivalpodcast, festival directors Tirsa and Ide tell more about this
What is the digital Services Act?
Table of Contents
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union law that establishes a complete set of new obligations for online platforms to protect fundamental rights online, including freedom of expression, and to tackle illegal content, disinformation, and harmful products.
The DSA aims to create a safer digital space where illegal content can be quickly removed, users have more control over what they see online, and platforms are held accountable for the content they host. It applies to a wide range of online services, from social media and online marketplaces to search engines and hosting services. The law operates on a tiered system, wiht stricter rules for very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) – those with 45 million or more active users in the EU.
On February 17, 2024, the DSA officially began applying to all online platforms, marking a significant step towards regulating the digital landscape in Europe. The European Commission designated the first 17 VLOPs and VLOSEs subject to the most stringent requirements on April 26, 2023. European Commission Announcement
Key Provisions of the DSA
The DSA introduces several key provisions designed to increase transparency and accountability for online platforms. These include requirements for platforms to remove illegal content promptly upon notification, provide users with clear explanations of why content was removed or restricted, and offer effective redress mechanisms for users who believe their content was wrongly taken down.
Specifically, the DSA mandates:
- Due diligence Obligations: Platforms must take steps to assess and mitigate systemic risks, such as the spread of illegal content and disinformation.
- Transparency Reporting: Platforms must publish regular reports on their content moderation practices, including the number of notices received and actions taken.
- Targeted Advertising Restrictions: The DSA restricts the use of sensitive personal data for targeted advertising and prohibits targeted advertising to children.
- Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces must take steps to ensure that products sold on their platforms are safe and comply with EU law.
- Cooperation with Authorities: Platforms must cooperate with EU authorities and provide access to data for investigations.
The DSA also establishes a new system for handling illegal content notices, known as the “Trusted Flaggers” system, which allows vetted organizations to report illegal content to platforms and receive a response within 24 hours. Digital Services Act – European Commission
Impact on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs)
Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) face the most stringent obligations under the DSA due to their significant reach and potential impact on society. These platforms, including companies like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, are subject to additional requirements designed to address systemic risks.
VLOPs must conduct annual risk assessments to identify and mitigate systemic risks related to illegal content, disinformation, and other harms. They are also required to implement measures to protect fundamental rights,such as freedom of expression and information. furthermore, VLOPs must provide users with greater control over their online experience, including the ability to opt out of personalized recommendations based on profiling.
Non-compliance with the DSA can result in considerable fines, up to 6% of a platform’s global annual revenue. On February 23, 2024, the European Commission launched formal investigations into TikTok and X over potential breaches of the DSA, specifically concerning the protection of minors and the spread of illegal content.European Commission Press Release
Enforcement and Oversight
The enforcement of the DSA is primarily the duty of the European Commission, with support from the Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) in each EU member state. The Commission has the power to investigate potential breaches of the DSA, impose fines, and even order platforms to suspend their services in the EU.
The DSCs act as the first point of contact for platforms and users, providing guidance and assistance on the implementation of the DSA. They also play a role in investigating complaints and coordinating enforcement actions with the Commission. The DSA establishes a new supervisory framework, with the Commission directly supervising VLOPs and VLOSEs, while DSCs supervise smaller platforms.
As of January 22, 2026, the European Commission has initiated several investigations and issued warnings to platforms regarding potential non-compliance with the DSA, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing the new rules.The first annual transparency reports from VLOPs were due on February 17, 2024, providing the Commission and the public with initial insights into platform practices. European Commission – First DSA Transparency Reports
