The European Commission has requested more information from youtube, Snapchat, and TikTok regarding their recommendation algorithms. The commission is conducting an inquiry into the potential role these algorithms play in amplifying harmful content. In a statement released on October 2, the commission stated that it aims to assess the risks associated with these platforms’ recommendation algorithms, including negative effects on users’ mental health and the spread of harmful content. The commission has specifically asked youtube and Snapchat to disclose how their recommender systems function and the parameters that guide content selection. They have also been asked to provide detailed information about how their algorithms amplify risks related to civic discourse, electoral integrity, protection of minors, and mental health. TikTok has been questioned about measures taken to prevent manipulation by malicious actors during elections and mitigate risks in terms of media pluralism and civic discourse.
Under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), platforms with over 45 million monthly active users in the EU must implement strict user protection measures. These platforms are required to assess the risks posed by their systems regarding harmful content and user safety and take action to mitigate these risks. Failure to comply with DSA regulations could result in significant fines.
youtube, Snapchat, and TikTok have until November 15th to submit detailed responses. If they fail to comply or provide incomplete or misleading information, formal legal proceedings may be initiated against them.
This move by the European Commission is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech within the EU. Previous noncompliance proceedings have already been initiated against platforms such as facebook’s Meta (formerly facebook) and Instagram, AliExpress, and TikTok for issues related to their recommender systems.
The investigation into TikTok focuses on areas such as protection of minors, transparency in advertising practices, data access for researchers, addictive behaviors fostered by its algorithms, and exposure of users—especially minors—to harmful content.
Margrethe Vestager from the European Commission emphasized that ensuring online user safety is crucial for TikTok as it needs to carefully consider potential risks posed by its services.
The investigation into AliExpress covers concerns regarding illegal content handling consumer protection measures,content moderation practices,and transparency surrounding advertising practices,recommender algorithms
Meta (facebook) faces formal proceedings due concerns over whether its system design could lead children towards addictive behavior through rabbit hole effects where they are drawn deeper into viewing potentially harmful content
