Platform Accountability in the European Union

Big tech companies mimic competencies that have been the prerogative of nation-states. Many high-profile public scandals fuelled calls for more accountability. Although the EU has addressed the topic, we do not know yet how the accountability of platform companies increased. This article develops the concept of platform accountability as an analytical tool. An analysis of three influential regulations shows that data protection regulation increases democratic accountability but has problems with effective enforcement. Recent digital services regulations are mending this weakness and ultimately empowering the Commission. Yet, the Commission has to prove that it can act as a credible digital regulator.