Hate speech, suicides broadcast live… Social networks are sometimes a dangerous place for the mental health of users.
In response, the European Commission asked YouTube, SnapChat and Tiktok on Tuesday October 2 to provide it with information on their algorithms, indicates AFP, relayed by Release.
Assessing mental health risks on YouTube, SnapChat and Tiktok
The EU executive asked for more details “on the design and operation of their recommendation systems“.
While the algorithm suggests content tailored to the videos watched and accounts followed, other random content may appear before people’s eyes.
With this request, the European Commission calls on the three platforms to “adequately assess and mitigate the risks” linked to this content. The threat of mental health is one of them.
Read also
Friendship in the age of social networks: are we still friends in the same way?
Six weeks to provide information
This involvement of the EU aims in particular TikTok. The Chinese platform has already found itself in the sights of major institutions following a report by Amnesty International, published in 2023, entitled “Pushed towards darkness”.
The organization claimed that the social network’s algorithm could offer content to people suffering from depression or anxiety which reinforced their discomfort. TikTok is also targeted for undermining democracy and its permeability to the risk of interference, particularly during elections.
For their part, YouTube et Snapchat must explain “their role in amplifying certain risks”, such as the threat of electoral processes and the measures taken to avoid the promotion of hate speech.
This request from the European Commission is part of a regulation on digital services which came into force in February 2024. It allows better supervision of platforms to combat disinformation and hatred online.
If this is not an indictment, the results could well lead to the opening of an investigation, or even financial sanctions. The three platforms must provide this information before November 15.
Read also
-
What is sealioning, the new toxic behavior that is proliferating on social networks?
-
The speed bump technique is ideal for spending less time on social networks
