§ Digital Services Act · Article 34
DSA Article 34: Obligations, Deadlines & Penalties
At a glance
Article 34 of the DSA imposes 7 obligations on provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines. At least one obligation carries an explicit compliance deadline.
§ Obligations
All obligations under Article 34
Obligation 1
Providers of very large online platforms and very large online search engines shall diligently identify, analyse and assess any systemic risks in the Union stemming from the design or functioning of their service and its related systems, including algorithmic systems, or from the use made of their services.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
assess
- Deadline
-
by the date of application referred to in Article 33(6), second subparagraph, and at least once every year thereafter, and prior to deploying functionalities likely to have a critical impact
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 2
The risk assessment shall be specific to their services and proportionate to the systemic risks, taking into consideration their severity and probability, and shall include risks related to illegal content, fundamental rights, civic discourse, electoral processes, public security, gender-based violence, public health, minors, and physical and mental well-being.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
assess
- Deadline
-
—
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 3
When conducting risk assessments, providers shall take into account whether and how recommender systems, content moderation systems, terms and conditions, advertisement systems, and data-related practices influence systemic risks.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
assess
- Deadline
-
—
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 4
The assessments shall analyse whether and how risks are influenced by intentional manipulation of their service, including inauthentic use or automated exploitation, as well as the amplification and dissemination of illegal content or information incompatible with terms and conditions.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
assess
- Deadline
-
—
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 5
The assessment shall take into account specific regional or linguistic aspects, including when specific to a Member State.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
assess
- Deadline
-
—
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 6
Providers of very large online platforms and very large online search engines shall preserve the supporting documents of the risk assessments for at least three years after the performance of risk assessments.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
document
- Deadline
-
at least three years after the performance of risk assessments
- Penalty
-
—
Obligation 7
Providers of very large online platforms and very large online search engines shall, upon request, communicate the supporting documents of the risk assessments to the Commission and to the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment.
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, Article 34, Article 34
- Obligated entity
-
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines
- Size threshold
- very large
- Action required
-
report
- Deadline
-
upon request
- Penalty
-
—
§ Frequently asked
Questions about Article 34
Who must comply with Article 34 of the DSA?
+
provider of very large online platforms and very large online search engines.
What does Article 34 of the DSA require?
+
assess document report
What is the compliance deadline for DSA Article 34?
+
at least three years after the performance of risk assessments; by the date of application referred to in Article 33(6), second subparagraph, and at least once every year thereafter, and prior to deploying functionalities likely to have a critical impact; upon request