Article 18 of the EMFA introduces concrete safeguards to protect media providers from unfair moderation practices by Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). This includes requiring VLOPs to notice media providers in advance when intending to remove their content, explain the reasons, and give media providers 24 hours to reply before the removal takes effect. To benefit from these safeguards, media service providers need to declare they fulfil certain elements through a functionality put in place by VLOPs.
The Commission developed these guidelines after carrying out a targeted consultation involving relevant stakeholders, including media service providers, civil society and fact-checking organisations, regulatory authorities and representatives of providers of VLOPs.
Download the guidelines in all EU languages.
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Press release | 06 February 2026
The European Commission has released new guidelines to ensure that professional journalism is recognised and protected across the world's largest digital platforms.