A PYMNTS Company

Dutch Watchdog to Convene Tech Giants Ahead of National Vote

By  |  August 14, 2025

The Netherlands’ competition authority is set to meet with a dozen major digital platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and X, on September 15 to address the spread of harmful content before the country’s October 29 elections, according to Reuters. The talks will also bring in the European Commission, national regulators and representatives from civil society groups.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), responsible for enforcing the EU’s Digital Services Act in the Netherlands, plays a central role in safeguarding election integrity under the new legislation, per DIG. The early parliamentary vote was triggered in June after the collapse of the Dutch government over disputes on migration policy.

    Related: Big Tech Faces Dutch Scrutiny Under EU Digital Services Act Before Vote

    ACM director Manon Leijten said that Very Large Online Platforms are obligated to maintain transparent rules on content moderation and take swift action against illegal material. In July, the ACM formally contacted the participating platforms to outline these legal duties, request details about their Trust and Safety teams, and gather responses to a questionnaire focused on protecting public debate.

    The upcoming September session will review how the companies intend to combat disinformation, foreign interference and unlawful hate speech during the campaign period, according to DIG.

    Source: DIG