DSA forces VLOPs to offer a non-profiling recommender option

The DSA (Digital Services Act) targets systemic risks on very large online platforms (VLOPs). It forces them to offer at least one recommender system option that does not rely on profiling — that is, not built from your browsing history, clicks, or personal data. Contrast this with the DMA (Digital Markets Act), which focuses on gatekeeper platforms and interoperability, not on how recommendations are personalised. If an exam question mentions 'recommender transparency' or 'alternative recommender', your first thought should be the DSA, not the DMA.

A common trap is confusing the DSA's recommender rule with the DMA's data-portability or interoperability obligations. To avoid this, remember: DSA = risk and transparency for very large platforms; DMA = fair competition for gatekeepers. Another trick: if the scenario mentions 'profiling' or 'personalisation', it is almost certainly the DSA. Also note that the DSA applies only to VLOPs (over 45 million users in the EU), not to all platforms. So a small e-commerce site is not covered by this rule.

To lock this in, imagine a VLOP like TikTok. Under the DSA, it must let you switch to a 'chronological feed' with no profiling. That is the non-personalised recommender. If you see 'alternative recommender' in a question, immediately check whether the law is DSA (yes) or DMA (no). This one contrast will save you from the most common mix-up in this area.