Platform Risk Assessments Under the Digital Services Act

Authors

  • Jean-Claude Ashukem School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand (current affiliation) Author

Keywords:

platform risk assessment, Digital Services Act, systemic risk, transparency, online safety

Abstract

Background: Platform Risk Assessments Under the Digital Services Act has become a practical governance concern because differences in institutional design and administrative capacity can shape how policy is applied in practice.

Objective: This study assessed the implementation of platform risk assessment, focusing on consistency, institutional conditions, and outcomes in relation to the Digital Services Act.

Methods: A structured review covered 639 statutes, regulations, policies, contracts, guidance documents, administrative records, or public disclosures. A predefined two-stage coding framework assessed legal clarity, transparency, procedural safeguards, oversight, and implementation requirements, with discrepancies resolved through independent review.

Results: Formal requirements relevant to platform risk assessment appeared in 60% of the materials, yet only 40% specified implementation or oversight in sufficient detail. Transparency and review arrangements were absent or incomplete in 14% of cases. More comprehensive instruments also showed clearer institutional responsibility and fewer implementation gaps.

Conclusion: The evidence on platform risk assessment shows that policy design and administrative execution cannot be separated. Accordingly, platform regulation works more consistently when obligations are specific, oversight is coordinated, and compliance processes are reviewable.

Study design: document analysis.

Publication history: Originally published in print on 15 June 2024, Volume 4, Article 9. Online abstract record added on 16 September 2026. Full-text PDF will be added when the digital galley is ready.

Author Biography

  • Jean-Claude Ashukem, School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand (current affiliation)

    Current designation: Senior Lecturer.

    Current affiliation: School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

    Current author information supplied for the 2026 digital archive.

Issue 4

Published

2024-06-15

Issue

Vol. 4 (2024)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Jean-Claude Ashukem

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