The European Union has expressed concerns over the “harmful” content posted on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, and on Wednesday (October 2nd), it requested these digital platforms to provide detailed information about the design of their content recommendation algorithms and how they operate.
According to the European Commission, these three digital platforms must provide detailed information regarding the design and operation of their content recommendation systems based on the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Commission stated in a press release that YouTube and Snapchat need to explain the parameters used in their recommendation algorithms and the potential risks of these algorithms, such as promoting harmful content or misinformation. It also seeks information on how these parameters play a role in amplifying certain systemic risks related to elections, user mental health, and protection of minors.
Additionally, the Commission wants to know what measures these platforms have taken to mitigate the impact of their algorithms on hate speech and the spread of illegal drugs.
As for TikTok, the company is required to clarify how it prevents the manipulation of platform content by malicious actors and reduces the risks associated with elections, media diversity, and citizen speech because some recommendation systems may amplify these risks.
In accordance with the EU’s DSA, digital platforms must mitigate the risks generated by such systems.
Regulatory authorities have demanded that Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube provide all the above information by November 15th. If the three companies fail to respond on time, the Commission can issue formal requests and impose periodic fines for non-compliance.
However, this investigation is just a preliminary procedure, and the Commission will decide whether to start formal litigation proceedings after analyzing the responses.
Under the DSA regulations, online platforms with a user base exceeding 45 million monthly users must adhere to strict transparency requirements.
The European Union has already initiated legal proceedings against some tech giants under the DSA, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, China’s online retail platform AliExpress under Alibaba, and TikTok.