Article 23Codes of conduct

1. The Commission shall encourage and facilitate the drawing up of voluntary codes of conduct at Union level to contribute to the proper application of this Regulation. The Commission shall invite providers of relevant services and systems in scope, relevant national competent authorities, civil society organisations, industry, academia, parents, educators and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the drawing-up of those codes of conduct.

2. When giving effect to paragraph 1, the Commission shall aim to ensure that the codes of conduct clearly set out their specific objectives, contain commitments to take specific measures to achieve those objectives, and take due account of the specificities of different services and systems provided, and the needs and interests of all interested parties, in particular minors, at Union level. The Commission shall also aim to ensure that participants report regularly to the Commission and their respective competent authorities under this Regulation. The reporting commitments sought by the Commission shall take into account differences in size and capacity between different providers.

3. The Commission, after consultation of the European Digital Services Board or the European Artificial Intelligence Board for aspects of codes within the remit of their competence, shall assess whether codes of conducts meet the aims specified in paragraphs 1 and 3 and are adequate to demonstrate compliance with the respective obligations set out in this Regulation. The Commission shall publish that assessment. It shall regularly monitor and evaluate the achievement of the objectives of the codes of conduct and, after consultation of the European Digital Services Board or the European Artificial Intelligence Board, shall update the assessment as appropriate.

4. The Commission shall encourage and facilitate regular review and adaptation of the codes of conduct.

5. The Commission shall also encourage developments of best practices in any area falling within the scope of this Regulation. This may include areas such as testing in the course of product developments or control standards. The is without prejudice to Article 5.