EU Parliament Summons Amazon CEO Over Digital Services Act Compliance

2025-06-19 data

Brussels, Thursday, 19 June 2025.
On June 26, the European Parliament will grill Amazon’s CEO on the company’s adherence to new digital regulations. Key issues include transparency and consumer protection under the Digital Services Act.

The Digital Services Act: A Regulatory Framework

The Digital Services Act (DSA), enacted in 2022, represents a significant overhaul of previous online regulations in the European Union, specifically targeting very large online platforms (VLOPs) with over 45 million monthly active users [7]. Designed to address illegal content and increase transparency surrounding advertising and disinformation, the DSA imposes various obligations on platforms, including content moderation practices and algorithm transparency [7]. Amazon, alongside other technology giants like Meta and Google, has been under scrutiny to ensure compliance with these mandates [8].

Amazon’s Compliance Challenges

Amazon, categorized as one of 25 VLOPs, faces rigorous requirements under the DSA, including taking additional steps to prevent illegal activities and implementing clearer accountability measures for online content [8]. Despite Amazon’s assertion that its marketplace does not pose systemic risks compared to platforms primarily focused on distributing information [9], the European Commission has insisted on full compliance to protect consumers from illegal practices [5]. This ongoing tension between the EU’s strict regulatory approach and Amazon’s business model has led to numerous court challenges from the company, including efforts to contest its VLOP classification [9].

European Parliament’s Role in Digital Regulation

The European Parliament’s upcoming hearing with Amazon’s CEO is part of a broader strategy to enforce the DSA’s provisions and ensure major tech companies adhere to the new rules [1]. The hearing on June 26 in Brussels will focus on key issues such as consumer protection and transparency, pivotal elements of the DSA, with Amazon being required to disclose how its algorithms work and improve its content moderation processes [10]. This approach underscores the Parliament’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for EU citizens [7].

Potential Implications for the Tech Industry

The outcome of this hearing could have significant ramifications not only for Amazon but for the entire digital commerce landscape within the EU. Enhanced scrutiny may lead to stricter enforcement actions against non-compliant platforms, potentially involving penalties up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover [7]. Additionally, the focus on algorithmic transparency and consumer rights could set precedents that ripple through the tech industry globally, influencing how digital markets operate under the increased regulatory eye [7]. These developments align with the EU’s broader goals of ensuring digital platform accountability and protecting consumer interests [6].

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Digital Services Act Amazon compliance