In a written answer to a parliamentary question on 31 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said the Digital Services Act (DSA) already obliges very large online platforms and search engines to tackle streaming fraud, and signalled that the Commission is ready to use its full enforcement powers against evolving forms of online fraud. The answer, given on behalf of the Commission, responds to a question from ten MEPs spanning Renew, PPE, The Left, and other groups, who had asked how the Commission ensures that very large online search engines (VLOSEs) implement their DSA obligations to prevent streaming fraud, and whether current measures are sufficient.
Virkkunen explained that artificially inflating streaming or play counts is best understood as manipulation of the service through inauthentic use or automated exploitation, which may also breach providers' terms of service. She noted that the DSA covers streaming only where it involves storing and making available content uploaded by users. Under Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, designated very large online platforms (VLOPs) and VLOSEs must identify, assess, and mitigate systemic risks, including those influenced by intentional manipulation through inauthentic use or automated exploitation. Providers must adopt reasonable and effective mitigation measures, and the use of automated tools or AI to generate deceptive activity falls within that exercise. Where such practices are illegal, hosting providers must, under Article 16, enable users to notify them and handle notices in a timely and diligent manner.
The answer does not announce new legislative proposals or numerical targets, but it does signal that the Commission considers existing DSA tools sufficient to address streaming fraud, while leaving the door open for further action. Virkkunen stated that the Commission stands ready to draw on the full range of its supervisory and enforcement powers, complemented where relevant by EU consumer protection rules. She declined to comment on potential or ongoing proceedings, a standard position.
The response reflects a policy orientation that favours using existing digital regulation to combat fraud rather than introducing sector-specific rules. It places responsibility on platforms to self-assess and mitigate risks, with the Commission acting as enforcer. The practical impact will depend on how rigorously the Commission applies its powers in individual cases. For legitimate artists and rights holders, the answer offers reassurance that streaming fraud is within the DSA's scope, potentially protecting royalty flows. For very large platforms and search engines, it confirms that they must invest in detection and mitigation of inauthentic activity, adding to their compliance costs. For national authorities, the answer clarifies that the Commission retains primary enforcement under the DSA, though consumer protection rules may also apply. The answer does not specify a timeline for further action, but the reference to evolving forms of online fraud suggests the Commission will monitor developments and may act if current measures prove insufficient.