ANCOM explains the DSA rules to video game developers: What obligations does the Digital Services Regulation bring

The National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM), as Digital Services Coordinator for Romania, organised a workshop dedicated to video game developers, in partnership with RGDA (Romanian Game Developers Association).

The event addressed how the Digital Services Regulation (DSA) applies in the Romanian gaming industry. Among the topics discussed: the obligations of online platforms and hosting service providers, the conditions under which game developers can be considered ‘online platforms’ (when games allow communication between players or user-generated content), and special rules on the protection of minors.

ANCOM provided digital service providers with an online self-assessment questionnaire to verify whether the DSA applies to their services. The workshop is part of ANCOM's wider effort to inform the industry about the new European regulations.

As Romania’s Digital Services Coordinator, ANCOM is responsible for supervising the application of the DSA at national level and ensuring that intermediary service providers comply with its requirements. The authority also acts as a contact point for the European Commission and other Digital Services Coordinators across EU Member States, contributing to cooperation on the implementation of the regulation.

By engaging directly with video game developers, ANCOM helps clarify how the rules apply to different types of digital services and business models. This is particularly relevant for games that incorporate social features, player interactions or user-generated content, where understanding the applicable obligations can help developers make informed decisions about their services and their responsibilities towards users.