EC Designates First Adult Content Platform as VLOP

The European Commission has formally designated XNXX as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). XNXX is an adult content platform with an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union. This user number, which XNXX has communicated to the Commission, is above the DSA threshold for designation as a VLOP.

Following the designation as a VLOP, XNXX will have to comply with the most stringent rules under the DSA within four months of its notification. Such obligations include adopting specific measures to empower and protect users online, preventing minors from accessing pornographic content online, including with age-verification tools, providing access to publicly available data to researchers, and publishing a repository of ads.

XNXX must also duly assess and mitigate any systemic risks stemming from their services, such as risks related to the dissemination of illegal content, or the negative effects on the mental and physical well-being of the user. Since 17 February 2024, all online platforms, including XNXX, already have to comply with the general obligations under the DSA, such as providing user-friendly mechanisms to report illegal content, clearly labeling advertisements on their services, and publishing annual transparency reports.