AliExpress Faces Formal Proceedings Under EU's Digital Services Act: Lessons of Compliance for Economic Operators
AliExpress was designated as a VLOP under the EU's DSA and is now facing formal proceedings for potential breaches. The Commission is investigating areas such as content moderation, transparency of advertising, and the traceability of traders.
Intro: AliExpress is an online platform where many manufacturers, typically based in China, offer their products and manufacturing services. The platform is popular with trading companies and online sellers. It is common that the products you buy on Amazon, Wish, or your local e-commerce platform are originally sourced from AliExpress.
AliExpress was designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the EU's Digital Services Act and is now facing formal proceedings for potential breaches of the DSA. The Commission is investigating areas such as content moderation, transparency of advertising, and the traceability of traders. If proven, these failures would be considered infringements of the DSA. The Commission will continue to gather evidence and may take further enforcement steps. The duration of the investigation will depend on various factors, and the outcome is not prejudged.
As economic operators, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the Digital Services Act and all relevant regulations. It is important to have robust systems in place for risk assessment, content moderation, and complaint-handling mechanisms. Economic operators should be vigilant in their compliance efforts and cooperate fully with any investigations. It is important to address any potential shortcomings promptly and take corrective action to avoid infringements of the DSA.
Transparency in advertising and recommender systems, as well as traceability of traders, should also be prioritised. If you are an online intermediary, it is essential to take proactive measures to prevent the dissemination of illegal content and protect consumers. Make sure to provide accessible channels for users to report illegal content and comply with all DSA obligations.
By ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, economic operators can uphold consumer trust, protect their reputation, and avoid legal consequences. With Alura Group you stay informed about the latest developments in digital regulations and take proactive steps to comply with all applicable laws.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_1485