Digital Services Act: Summary report of the public consultation on guidelines for providers of very large online platforms and search engines on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes

The guidelines present measures and best practices that very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) that have more than 45 million users in the EU, can use to mitigate systemic risks that may threaten the integrity of electoral processes.

The consultation received input from 77 stakeholders, of which 34 were civil society organisations, 18 VLOPs or VLOSEs or business associations, 9 EU and non-EU citizens, 8 academics and 5 public authorities. Overall, the stakeholders welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the need to identify best practices for VLOPs and VLOSEs to mitigate risks related to electoral processes.  

The report takes stock of the contributions to the public consultation, which covers feedback on the scope of the guidelines, the election-specific and generative AI mitigation measures as well as cooperation with national authorities, experts and civil society organisations. It also covers feedback on the recommended best practices before, during and after an election as well as specific guidance for European elections.

The final guidelines take into account the feedback received in the public consultation, through roundtables and meetings with stakeholders as well as Member State representatives, including the Digital Services Coordinators.