The European Commission has launched two whistleblower tools for the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tools will make it possible for individuals to provide, without fear of reprisals, information allowing to identify and uncover harmful practices of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) or Search Engines (VLOSEs) designated under the DSA, or any violations of the obligations of gatekeepers under the DMA.
Whistleblowers can provide relevant information anonymously or not, in any of the EU official language and in any relevant format (for example, reports, memos, email exchanges, data metrics, internal research, decisions or any relevant circumstances).
The whistleblower tools offer a secure way to report such information. All data is encrypted, ensuring robust protection and adherence to standard legal frameworks. The tools have been certified by an independent third party, guaranteeing the complete privacy of the whistleblower in all its communications with the Commission.
Individuals who encounter harmful practices by VLOPs or VLOSEs can, under the DSA, lodge complaints with their national Digital Services Coordinator. Any instance of non-compliance with the DMA by gatekeepers can be reported to the dedicated Commission contact point or to national competition authorities of their Member State where the complainant is based. More information is available at the Commission’s whistleblower tools website for DSA and DMA.
Details
- Publication date
- 30 April 2024
- Authors
- Directorate-General for Competition | Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology