The Uproar for Outside the EU Freelancers
- Kimberly Lyn Vanzi
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Wix Studio’s EU DSA Compliance
The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is reshaping online regulations and holding digital platforms to stricter standards of accountability and transparency. While these rules aim to create a safer digital space, they also frustrate freelancers outside the EU, especially those who sell services or websites to EU-based clients and now face new compliance-related barriers.
One of the biggest concerns is that freelancers must now publicly disclose their business addresses to work with EU clients through platforms like Wix Studio’s Marketplace. For many home-based freelancers, this raises serious privacy risks and security concerns.
What is the EU DSA?
The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is designed to improve digital safety, enforce content regulations, and ensure business transparency. It’s not just the big platforms like social media networks and e-commerce giants that need to comply—the DSA also applies to freelancers and small businesses, meaning even independent professionals must follow these regulations.
Unlike local businesses serving only their country, freelancers who sell services—such as website design, digital marketing, or content creation—to EU-based companies must comply with certain aspects of the DSA, even if they are physically located outside the EU.
Why Are Non-EU Freelancers Concerned?
Many non-EU freelancers feel that the DSA introduces new compliance obligations that affect them if they sell services or operate websites accessible to EU clients. While the rules primarily target large platforms and businesses, freelancers who work with EU-based customers must also meet certain transparency and content management requirements.
Some key concerns include:
Publicly Displaying a Business Address
The DSA mandates that businesses selling within the EU must provide a clear, verifiable address. For home-based freelancers, this means exposing personal information to the public.
✔ Freelancers can opt out of this requirement, which means they cannot sell to EU clients through Wix Studio’s Marketplace.
✔ Using a virtual office address is one possible workaround, though this adds extra costs.
Content Moderation and Reporting Rules
Websites that allow user-generated content (comments, reviews, forums, etc.) must have systems to handle flagged content. Wix provides built-in moderation tools that comply with these rules, but freelancers must ensure they use them properly if their audience includes EU users.
Platform-Wide Compliance for EU Visibility
Rather than enforcing compliance on all users globally, Wix ensures that websites visible in the EU meet DSA standards. This means:
✔ Non-EU freelancers with EU clients or visitors must comply with transparency rules.
✔ Those who opt out won’t be able to sell within the EU market through Wix’s features.
While this new regulation adds an extra layer of transparency, Wix Studio’s proactive compliance measures help freelancers meet requirements without implementing complex legal structures themselves.
How Does This Affect Wix Studio Users?
While self-hosted platforms require website owners to navigate compliance independently, Wix Studio handles much of this in the background.
Here’s what that means for you:
Pre-Configured Compliance
Wix ensures that its platform meets EU regulations, so freelancers do not have to manage digital accessibility standards, content moderation structures, or legal technicalities themselves.
Transparency and Content Policies
Websites that allow comments, forums, or other user-generated content must have clear policies. Wix provides built-in moderation tools to help meet these requirements.
Reporting and Flagging Systems
The DSA requires websites to have processes for handling flagged content. Wix has structured its reporting systems to comply with these regulations, ensuring a secure and compliant user experience.
Safe E-Commerce Operations
The DSA mandates transparency, including clear terms, policies, and contact information, for businesses selling products or services through Wix. Wix seamlessly integrates these elements, helping businesses meet compliance requirements.
What Should Freelancers Do?
While Wix manages compliance for you, there are a few steps freelancers can take to ensure they remain compliant and protect their business:
✔ Review Your Site’s Policies – If you accept user-generated content, make sure you have clear content guidelines to avoid potential issues.
✔ Enable Moderation Features – Use Wix’s built-in moderation tools to manage comments, forums, or discussions.
✔ Ensure Business Transparency – If you sell services to EU clients, ensure your contact details, privacy policy, and terms of service are updated to align with compliance rules.
✔ Consider a Business Address – If you don’t want to make your home address public, consider renting a virtual office or co-working space address to comply while maintaining privacy.
✔ Stay Informed – Regulations may evolve, and Wix could introduce further changes to ensure continued compliance.
By staying informed and leveraging Wix’s built-in compliance features, freelancers can focus on their business without worrying about complex legal requirements.
Want More Insights?
Check out my article, Freelancers and the EU DSA, for a deeper look at how the EU DSA affects freelancers, including concerns over privacy and business transparency.
What’s Your Take?
Freelancers, would you be comfortable making your home address public so that you can continue working with EU clients? Or would you take steps to protect your privacy, even if it means limiting your market?
💬 Let’s discuss—drop your thoughts below!
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