The European Commission is launching a call for tenders under Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act - DSA) to seek technical assistance for market intelligence, evidence gathering, and compliance monitoring.
The services under this procurement will support the case teams in the European Commission in carrying out its supervisory tasks laid down in Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 as regards to Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Search Engines (VLOSEs).
The Digital Services Act (DSA), which became fully applicable on February 17, 2024, sets out clear rules for online platforms and intermediary services to protect users from illegal and harmful online activities and risks to their fundamental rights. The DSA applies to all online intermediaries in the EU, including online marketplaces, social networks, and content sharing platforms, and imposes due diligence obligations that vary based on the nature of the service and the size and impact of the service. A specific regime applies to VLOPs and VLOSEs, which are subject to additional obligations due to their significant role in public debate and economic transactions and are subject to the Commission’s direct supervisory power.
The tender is divided into three lots, each with specific objectives.
- Lot 1 focuses on market intelligence, aiming to build expertise and capacities that will be used by the Commission staff to carry out their supervisory tasks laid down in Regulation (EU) 2022/2065. The services will entail the monitoring of technological developments, economic and market trends, social media data and content related to systemic risks, digital threats related to the emergence of systemic risk and potentially dangerous challenges on social media platforms as regards VLOPs and VLOSEs.
- Lot 2 targets prominent and recurring risks in Member States as well as other specific areas such as gender-based violence, pornographic platforms, actual or foreseeable negative effects on civic discourse, electoral processes and public security, illegal content, mental well-being, and the protection of minors.
- Lot 3 focuses on online marketplaces and compliance with online advertising provisions, aiming to support the Commission in monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the Digital Services Act, particularly concerning the transparency and traceability of online sales and promotion of illegal goods.
More information and instructions on how to submit the tender can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
This call is open until 23 September 2024 at 16:00 CET.