Online Platforms Face Scrutiny Over Reporting of Illegal Content

Popular online platforms are making it challenging for users to report illegal content, according to a recent study by the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV), Germany’s consumer protection agency. The investigation, conducted on five online marketplaces (AliExpress, Amazon, Shein, Temu, Zalando) and five social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube), reveals potential violations of European law.

Digital Services Act and Reporting Requirements

The Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that online platforms provide easily accessible and user-friendly procedures for reporting and addressing illegal content. While platforms offer reporting mechanisms, the VZBV study found these are often hampered by technical obstacles, manipulative design elements, and a lack of transparency.

Challenges Faced by Users

According to Ramona Pop, board member of the VZBV, users encounter significant hurdles when attempting to report illegal content. These include lengthy and convoluted reporting processes, unclear selection lists, and requests for redundant information. Confirmation of receipt of reports is not always provided. “Platforms are putting significant obstacles in the way,” Pop stated. “This needs to change. Platforms are obligated to provide easily accessible ways to report such content.”

EU-US Disagreement Over Digital Regulations

The European Digital Services Act is a point of contention between the European Union and the United States. The US government, under the Trump administration, accused the EU of using the DSA to implement censorship measures and viewed potential fines as a hostile act. In December 2023, the EU Commission issued its first fine under the DSA, a €120 million penalty against X (formerly Twitter). Proceedings are ongoing against Facebook, Instagram (Meta), and AliExpress.

Recent Enforcement Actions

As of March 2, 2026, the EU Commission continues to enforce the DSA, with ongoing investigations into several major platforms. The VZBV’s findings reinforce the need for full implementation of the DSA’s regulations and the removal of barriers to reporting illegal content.