Bulgaria Finalizes Implementation of EU Digital Services Act
Bulgaria has completed its national implementation of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), joining other member states in enforcing the bloc's regulations on online platforms. The move operationalizes requirements for algorithmic transparency, intermediary liability, and systemic risk management for companies operating in the EU.
Bulgaria's implementation designates the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) as the central Digital Services Coordinator. However, oversight is divided; the Council for Electronic Media will supervise video-sharing platforms, while the Commission for Personal Data Protection is tasked with enforcing rules on targeted advertising and the online protection of minors. The national framework was established by amending the existing Electronic Communications Act (ECA), a move seen as a "legislative shortcut" to expedite implementation. This approach embeds digital content and platform governance within a statute traditionally focused on technical telecommunications infrastructure, creating a fragmented regulatory environment. This finalization comes after the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings against Bulgaria in December 2024 for delays in aligning its national framework. The amendments, adopted by parliament on November 6, 2025, and entering into force on November 25, 2025, formally resolve the legislative delay. The CRC now has the authority to certify out-of-court dispute settlement bodies, and to award status to "trusted flaggers" for reporting illegal content and "vetted researchers" who can access platform data to study systemic risks. The commission can also apply urgent interim measures, including temporary restrictions on access to digital services to prevent serious harm. On the ground, a compliance gap is emerging, with large, established online platforms adapting to the DSA's requirements while smaller online traders face challenges with transparency rules for content moderation and recommendation systems. This national enforcement structure operates within a two-tier EU model. While the Bulgarian CRC and other bodies supervise intermediary services in the country, the European Commission retains direct oversight and enforcement powers for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Search Engines.
