EU's Digital Services Act fails as illegal online content lingers unchecked

Fraud and fake shops thrive as platforms ignore warnings. Why is the EU's landmark law struggling to clean up the internet?

, and Administrator

2026 March 6 . 1:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with text and a logo that reads "When companies sneak hidden junk fees into families' bills, it can take hundreds of dollars a month out of their pockets."

EU's Digital Services Act fails as illegal online content lingers unchecked

The German Federation of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has flagged illegal online content under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). Between June and December 2025, the group reported 60 violations—mostly on Instagram, Google, and Amazon. Yet only half of the flagged material was removed, leaving the rest online or ignored by platforms.

The vzbv, an accredited Trusted Flagger, focuses on fraud, deception, and illegal products. Its team has ramped up reporting this year, submitting more complaints in the first half of 2025 than in the previous six months combined. Despite this, fake shops often stay active even after individual ads are taken down.

Google refused to remove any of the reported items, claiming the right to dismiss notifications. The vzbv has since filed a formal complaint against Alphabet, the parent company. Other platforms also show inconsistent responses, with unclear reporting processes making enforcement difficult.

Across the EU, over 60 Trusted Flaggers now monitor areas like child protection, scams, and cyberbullying. In Germany, three more organizations—REspect!, the German Association for Online Trade, and HateAid—hold the same status. The vzbv insists these flaggers serve consumer protection, not censorship.

The group is pushing for stricter measures: standardised reporting rules, automatic removal of duplicate ads, and tougher action against repeat offenders.

The vzbv's reports reveal gaps in how platforms handle illegal content under the DSA. With only partial removals and inconsistent responses, enforcement remains uneven. The group continues to demand clearer procedures and stronger penalties to protect consumers online.