First harmonised DSA transparency reports standardise platform content moderation data
Online platforms have published the first harmonised transparency reports under the Digital Services Act, introducing a standardised, machine-readable format for reporting content moderation practices across the EU.
Providers of intermediary services have reached the deadline for publishing the first round of harmonised transparency reports under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The obligation requires online services to report at least annually on their content moderation activities, with very large online platforms and search engines required to report twice a year.
The new reporting cycle follows the adoption of the July 2025 Implementing Regulation on Transparency Reporting, which introduced a common, machine-readable template. Companies were given more than a year to adapt their systems to the harmonised format.
Until now, reporting practices differed significantly across services, with varying file formats, categories and labels. The new template standardises how platforms disclose data on content moderation decisions, including information on types of content addressed and enforcement measures taken.
The updated format enables more systematic comparison of moderation volumes across platforms, including in areas such as cyber violence, protection of minors, scams and fraud. It also aligns reporting categories with the DSA Transparency Database, allowing consistency checks between company reports and database entries.
According to the Commission, the harmonised approach is intended to improve clarity for researchers, journalists and civil society, while simplifying compliance for companies and strengthening oversight of platforms’ obligations, including respect for fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.
