The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has been officially authorized to enforce the European Digital Services Act (DSA) as of February 4, 2025, following the passage of the Dutch implementing act by the Senate. This new authority allows ACM to utilize its enforcement powers to regulate online platforms and services, which are crucial for making the internet safer and fairer.

According to Manon Leijten, a member of ACM's board, the agency will prioritize three main areas in 2025: ensuring online platforms establish a central point of contact, facilitating user reporting of illegal content, and focusing on webhosting services prevalent in the Netherlands. Additionally, ACM plans to conduct a study on the protection of minors in the digital space.

The DSA applies to various online services that transmit, store, or disseminate user content, including social networks, online marketplaces, and webhosting services. While the DSA does not dictate what content is permissible, it holds online services accountable for managing illegal content on their platforms, requiring them to take appropriate action when necessary.

To assist businesses in complying with the DSA, ACM has developed 'DSA Guidelines' that outline expectations for complaint-handling systems and user account management. The authority emphasizes the importance of predictability in actions taken against user accounts and the need for accessible points of contact.

ACM will enforce compliance among online service providers based in the Netherlands and will collaborate with other national regulators, including the Dutch Data Protection Authority, as well as European regulators and the European Commission. Notably, the largest online platforms fall under the direct jurisdiction of the European Commission. Since the DSA's implementation, ACM has received nearly 300 reports, primarily concerning account restrictions and illegal content management, which will aid in effective regulatory action.