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Platforms

The economic dependence of consumers and business users on large digital gatekeeper platforms has increased. It is time to update the rules for platforms.

The liability exemption and the ban on the introduction of general monitoring obligations have helped developing the diversity of internet platforms, which is beneficial for consumers too. However, after 20 years, it was time to update the rules for platforms and adjust them to the new context and challenges.

The European Regulation for a Digital Services Act includes new rules for the responsibility and the due diligence of internet platforms. The regulation contains many positive elements. However, it falls short with regard to online marketplaces and traders’ compliance with consumer law.

The rules must now be implemented and enforced. The best rules are only useful if enforced properly.

      
        vzbv demands    
    Consumers shouldn’t have to become DSA enforcement experts.
Consumers must be able to easily and efficiently assert their rights.
Authorities must be equipped with sufficient competences as well as financial and human resources.
Private enforcement must be strengthened.
Independent supervision

News

Online-Händler wie Amazon müssen ihre Kontaktdaten leicht zugänglich auf ihrer Webseite präsentieren — Credit: relif - fotolia.com

04.12.2023 100 days of the Digital Services Act: consumer protection on online platforms still insufficient

For more than 100 days now, large online platforms and search engines, such as Google Search, Amazon, and TikTok, have had to implement regulations from the EU’s Digital Services Act. The goals include protecting consumers more effectively against online manipulation, and making terms of use easier to understand.

Ensuring Digital Participation and Protection of Minors

Position paper | March 2026

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PDF | 225.83 KB

More consumer protection on online marketplaces

Short position paper | June 2024

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PDF | 184.71 KB

Designing interoperable Messenger Services

Response of the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) to the public consultation on the “BEREC report on Interoperability of Number-Independent Interpersonal Communication Services” | February 2023

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PDF | 434.81 KB

Empower consumers and lift Contestability

Position paper | February 2021

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PDF | 545.15 KB

Frustrated consumers rather than happy shoppers

Consumer Experiences | November 2020

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PDF | 2.02 MB

Ex ante regulatory instrument for large online plattforms and a new competition tool

Response of Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) to the public consultation on the “New Competition Tool” and the Digital Services Act package “Ex ante regulatory instrument for large online platforms with significant network effects acting as gatekeepers in the European Union’s internal market” | September 2020

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PDF | 735.54 KB