EU Court Blocks Stripchat's Bid to Shed 'Very Large' Label

Riikka Laine · 2026-10-14

The EU's General Court just handed Stripchat a tough loss. On Wednesday, the court ruled against the adult platform's attempt to overturn a 2023 European Commission decision that labeled it a "very large online platform" (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Stripchat had argued the designation was unfair, but the court didn't see it that way. So what does this mean for the adult content industry? And why should anyone outside Europe care? Let's break it down. ### What Exactly Is a VLOP? VLOP stands for "very large online platform." It's a label the EU gives to platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in Europe. Once you hit that threshold, you're subject to stricter rules under the DSA. Think of it like moving from the kiddie pool to the deep end—suddenly, there are more eyes on you and more rules to follow. The DSA requires VLOPs to: - Conduct regular risk assessments for illegal content - Implement transparent content moderation systems - Provide users with clear ways to report problems - Undergo independent audits - Share data with researchers For a platform like Stripchat, that's a lot of extra work. And it's not cheap. Compliance can cost millions of dollars annually, which is why some companies fight tooth and nail to avoid the label. ### Why Stripchat Fought the Designation Stripchat argued that the European Commission's 2023 decision was flawed. The company claimed it shouldn't be classified as a VLOP, possibly because it believed its user numbers didn't meet the threshold or because the designation was applied incorrectly. But the General Court disagreed, siding with the Commission. This isn't just about Stripchat. It's a signal to all adult platforms: if you're big in Europe, you're going to be regulated like it. The days of flying under the radar are over. ### What This Means for the Adult Industry The ruling could have ripple effects across the entire adult content world. Platforms like Pornhub, XVideos, and others have also been designated as VLOPs. Some have challenged the label, but this decision makes those challenges harder to win. "This ruling reinforces the EU's commitment to holding large platforms accountable, regardless of the content they host," said one digital policy analyst. "It's a clear message that size matters when it comes to regulation." For users, this could mean more transparency and safer experiences. For platforms, it means more hoops to jump through. For competitors, it might create an opening—smaller platforms that don't hit the VLOP threshold could operate with fewer restrictions. ### The Bigger Picture The DSA is part of a broader global trend toward regulating Big Tech. The EU has been leading the charge, but other countries are watching closely. If the EU can successfully rein in massive platforms, others might follow suit. For now, Stripchat has to comply. That means more audits, more reports, and more oversight. Whether that's good or bad depends on where you stand. But one thing's for sure: the adult industry just got a lot more complicated in Europe. And if you're a platform operating in the U.S., don't think you're immune. The EU's rules apply to any platform with European users, no matter where it's based. So if you've got over 45 million monthly active users in Europe, you're on the hook. ### What's Next? Stripchat could appeal to the European Court of Justice, but that's a long shot. More likely, the company will focus on compliance and try to turn this into a PR win by emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency. Either way, the message is clear: if you're big, you're a target. And in the EU, being a target means following the rules.