Updated on August 21, 2026: The OS platform has been shut down since July 20, 2025. This article now describes the current legal situation and identifies the legal basis for the shutdown.
The EU’s OS platform for online dispute resolution has been shut down since July 20, 2025. Since then, the corresponding notice may no longer appear in the legal notice. Companies that continue to include the link risk receiving a cease-and-desist letter.
OS Platform Shut Down: Why This Is Relevant to Your Legal Notice
Since 2016, online retailers and many service providers have been required to provide a link to the European Commission’s so-called ODR platform. This platform was intended to provide consumers with a one-stop shop for out-of-court dispute resolution. Because it was rarely used, the EU discontinued it effective July 20, 2025, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/3228.
Legal Basis: The ODR Regulation has been repealed
The obligation to provide this notice stemmed from Article 14 of the ODR Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 524/2013). This regulation has been repealed by Regulation (EU) 2024/3228. The platform stopped accepting new complaints as of March 20, 2025, and was permanently taken offline on July 20, 2025. Since then, there has been no legal requirement to provide this notice, and the link leads to a dead end. Anyone who leaves it up is directing consumers to a mediation service that no longer exists.
Remove the reference to the OS platform
Important for companies:
The reference to the OS platform was required to remain in place until July 19, 2025. As of July 20, 2025 , it is not only unnecessary but also prohibited. Specifically, this means:
- The link to the ODR platform may no longer be included in the legal notice.
- An infringement can be considered an infringement of competition law and a warning can be issued.
Where the reference to the ODR platform must be removed everywhere
For many companies, the link to the ODR platform is not only on the website. Make sure you check the following areas in good time and adjust them if necessary:
- Company website (especially the imprint)
- Mobile web views and app versions
- E-mail signatures
- Social media presence (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
- Other platform presences (e.g. Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
OS platform shut down; VSBG remains in effect
The deactivation of the ODR platform does not change the existing information obligations under the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG). Companies must therefore continue to state – regardless of the ODR platform – whether they are willing or obliged to participate in a dispute resolution procedure before a consumer arbitration board.
This information remains mandatory in the legal notice if the VSBG is applicable to the company.
Check and update your legal notice now
Since the ODR platform has been shut down, businesses should review their mandatory disclosures. Go through your online presence and remove any references to the ODR platform wherever they still appear. This will help you avoid warnings for outdated mandatory disclosures.
Perhaps also interesting: An upright imprint is anti-competitive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove the reference to the operating system platform from my legal notice?
Yes. Since the EU-OS platform has been shut down, the link that was previously required is no longer relevant and should be removed.
Where exactly does the notice need to be removed?
Wherever it has been required so far—in particular in the legal notice and the terms and conditions, as well as in confirmation emails, if applicable.
What will remain?
The disclosure requirements under the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG) remain unaffected and must continue to be observed.
Mandatory information, such as legal notices and consumer information, is constantly changing. To ensure your website remains compliant and free from legal action, we’re here to advise you—learn more about competition law.
