Commission Issues Guidance on Protecting Journalism on VLOPs
The European Commission has published new guidance clarifying how Very Large Online Platforms must safeguard professional journalism under the European Media Freedom Act. The guidance focuses on the practical application of Article 18, which introduces procedural protections against the unjustified removal of journalistic content by platforms with systemic reach.
Under Article 18(1), VLOPs are required to notify media providers in advance of any intended content removal and to give clear, reasoned explanations. Media providers must be granted a 24‑hour window to respond before any takedown takes place. Access to these safeguards depends on a formal declaration by media providers confirming their editorial independence and compliance with relevant regulatory oversight, submitted through a dedicated platform mechanism.
The guidance explains how VLOPs should design and operate this declaration process, including verification steps and ongoing compliance checks. Where necessary, platforms are encouraged to consult national media regulators and to involve civil society organisations, including fact‑checkers, when assessing declarations, while respecting the independence of editorial decision‑making.
Developed through extensive consultations with media outlets, regulators, civil society, and platform operators, the guidance supports the broader objectives of the European Media Freedom Act. Most provisions have applied since August 2025, reinforcing media pluralism and independence across the EU internal market while adapting regulatory safeguards to the digital media environment.
