A designation given by the European Commission to providers of online intermediary services that are search engines and whose number of EU monthly users is at least 10% of the EU population (i.e. 45 million). A similar designation exists also for intermediary services in the form of very large online platforms (i.e. VLOPs).
All providers of online intermediary services should report their monthly users every six months and the VLOPs/VLOSEs designations are established based on this reporting.
Due to their size, VLOPs and VLOSEs have significant social, political and economic impact, which carries particular risks to societies. DSA requires VLOPs and VLOSEs to assess and mitigate especially the risks that their services might carry and are related to
illegal content;
fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, discrimination, consumer protection and children’s rights;
public security and electoral processes;
gender-based violence, public health, protection of minors, and mental and physical wellbeing.
A list of designated VLOPs and VLOSEs is published and updated by the European Commission at https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses.
The norms regulating the designation and responsibilities of VLOPs and VLOSEs are established through the Digital Services Act (DSA).
See also: VLOP - Very Large Online Platform, Digital Services Act (DSA)