The European Commission has published a Communication outlining “Guidelines for Providers of Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes”. This document, issued under Article 35(3) of the Digital Services Act, aims to equip VLOP and VLOSE providers with best practices for safeguarding upcoming elections across the EU, including the 2024 European Parliament elections. Notably, the guidelines retain broader relevance beyond these specific electoral events.The Communication emphasizes that all mitigation measures undertaken by VLOPs and VLOSEs, as outlined in the DSA, must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter. These rights encompass human dignity, privacy, data protection, freedom of expression and information (including media freedom and pluralism), association, and business conduct.

Beyond implementing these risk mitigation measures, VLOP and VLOSE providers are obligated to adhere to other relevant legal provisions within the DSA. The Communication underscores the particular importance of Articles 9, 10, 16, and 22 of the DSA in mitigating electoral risks. These provisions address the potential amplification and dissemination of threats, violent extremist and terrorist content, illegal hate speech, and online harassment targeting political candidates, officials, journalists, election workers, and others involved in the electoral process.

The official publication is available here.