Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has asked the European Commission to investigate complaints by consumer associations that very large online platforms are systemically failing to tackle ad-driven financial scams, and to consider tightening the Digital Services Act (DSA) with binding obligations and sanctions. The written question, submitted on 22 May 2026, follows a formal complaint lodged on 21 May by BEUC and 29 consumer groups from 27 Member States, including Greek associations EKPIZO and KEPKA, under Article 53 of the DSA.
The complaint is based on evidence gathered between December 2025 and March 2026, which found nearly 900 advertisements in breach of EU law. Of these, platforms took down only 27% and rejected or ignored 52% of reports. Kountoura warns that hundreds of financial scams remain active, risking further losses for millions of European consumers. The question cites alleged violations of DSA Articles 16, 20, 23-25, 34-35, and 39.
What the MEP is asking
Kountoura's three-part question asks the Commission: what steps it will take to investigate the complaints regarding platforms' obligation to address systemic risks of financial fraud; what specific enforcement measures it plans against platforms that systematically fail to comply; and whether it will propose tightening the current legislative framework with binding obligations and sanctions to prevent, detect, and remove fraudulent ads more effectively.
The question references the upcoming Action Plan on Online Fraud, indicating the Commission is already considering policy responses in this area.
Policy direction and impact
The question signals a push for stronger enforcement and possible legislative tightening under the DSA, targeting very large online platforms that profit from ad-driven scams. If the Commission acts, it could impose significant compliance costs on platforms such as Meta, Google, and X, requiring more robust ad screening and faster takedowns. For consumers, stronger rules could reduce exposure to financial scams, but may also lead to stricter content moderation that affects legitimate advertising. National Digital Services Coordinators would face increased enforcement burdens, while consumer groups would gain a stronger legal basis to demand action.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the current DSA framework as sufficient or whether it is open to proposing amendments, and will indicate the priority it places on enforcement against financial fraud on online platforms.