Federal Network Agency investigates Steam: Review of complaint procedures under the DSA

Rather, the focus is on whether Steam has correctly implemented the procedures prescribed under the DSA for reporting and handling potentially illegal content. Under European requirements, online platforms must offer easily accessible complaint channels, carefully review incoming reports, and inform users about their decisions.

According to the Federal Network Agency, it remained unclear despite the public debate whether Steam had reviewed such complaints, decided on them, and informed the reporting users about the outcome. This gives rise to the suspicion that the platform may not have properly fulfilled its obligation to review and report illegal content.

Jurisdiction and European cooperation

The competent body is the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), which is housed within the Federal Network Agency and is responsible for enforcing the DSA with regard to Steam. The decisive factor is that Valve has designated a legal representative for the platform within the European Union in Germany. As a result, Steam falls within the jurisdiction of the German supervisory authority.

The investigation was informed by findings from the French regulator Arcom, which forwarded them to the German Digital Services Coordinator (DSC). The cross-border cooperation underscores the European dimension of the proceedings. On the basis of the information provided by Arcom, the DSC can launch its own investigations.

Possible consequences for Steam

Steam now has the opportunity to respond. Should the Federal Network Agency determine violations of the DSA requirements, it could require the platform to implement specific measures or impose a fine. Which specific steps will ultimately be taken depends on the outcome of the proceedings.

The case is among the first known DSA proceedings in Germany in which a major international gaming platform has come under regulatory scrutiny for its handling of user complaints and moderation processes. As a result, the question of how large online platforms deal with reports of problematic content is also acquiring a legal dimension in the gaming industry.

Steam is one of the largest and best-known video game platforms in the world. The Federal Network Agency's action could therefore have a signaling effect for other platforms operating similar complaint mechanisms. The investigation is focused on the specific case of Plantation Simulator.

The investigation proceedings were reported on 12 June 2026 on the Deutschlandfunk program. The agency made clear that the ongoing investigation does not constitute a prejudgment. Until the proceedings are concluded, Steam retains the opportunity to comment on the allegations and present its complaint processes.