EU designates XNXX as very large internet platform under Digital Services Act

The European Union (EU) has designated adult content platform XNXX as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The designation, announced on Wednesday, reflects XNXX’s significant user base, which averages 45 million monthly users in the EU.

The DSA imposes strict requirements for VLOPs, aimed at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in digital services. Companies like XNXX are now required to share data with EU authorities and researchers, conduct comprehensive risk management, and undergo rigorous external and independent audits under the DSA. These measures are intended to mitigate potential harm and promote safer online environments.

An important aspect of the DSA is the provision that allows the European Commission to impose fines on companies that provide false, incomplete or misleading information in response to data requests. This enforcement mechanism underlines the EU’s commitment to high standards of transparency and accountability.

XNXX now faces a four-month deadline to implement several protective measures for its users, with a particular focus on protecting minors. The platform must also address any systemic risks identified in its services. These requirements reflect a broader EU strategy to increase digital security in member states.

The recent designation of XNXX follows a similar action in December 2023, when the EU classified three other adult content platforms — Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos — as VLOPs. The consistent application of these rules underlines the EU’s proactive approach to regulating online content platforms and protecting users from potential threats.

Source: Reuters