For the video platform YouTube and the social networks Snapchat and TikTok have received a formal request from the European Commission for information regarding the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content to users and their role in amplifying some so-called systemic risks. Among these, in particular, those relating to electoral campaigns, mental health and the protection of minors.
YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok: what measures for illegal content?
The requests, which were made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), also concern “the measures taken by platforms to mitigate the potential influence of their recommendation systems on the dissemination of illegal content, such as the promotion of illegal drugs and the incitement to hatred,” the Brussels executive said in a statement.
Not only that. Additional information was provided by the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen towards the Chinese social network TikTok regarding the measures adopted by the company to prevent bad actors from manipulating the application and to reduce the risks related to elections and the civic debate. The three Big Techs with online and social platforms will have to provide the requested information by November 15: after which the Commission will decide the next steps, which could include sanctions. As is known, the EU has already initiated non-compliance procedures under the DSA, which requires web giants to do more to combat illegal and harmful content on their platforms, in relation to the recommendations provided by Facebook and Meta’s Instagram , AliExpress and TikTok.
