The European Union is taking a closer look at the algorithms used by YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok to recommend content to users.
The EU Commission has requested information from these platforms regarding their algorithms and their role in amplifying systemic risks, such as those related to elections, mental health, and protection of minors.
According to the EU Commission, the requests are made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to hold Big Tech companies accountable for tackling illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
The commission wants to know more about the measures these platforms have taken to mitigate the potential influence of their recommender systems on the spread of illegal content, including promoting illegal drugs and hate speech.
TikTok, in particular, has been asked to provide additional information on the measures it has adopted to prevent bad actors from manipulating the application and to reduce risks related to elections and civic discourse.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny from the EU, as it is already under formal investigation for potential non-compliance with the DSA.
The tech firms have until November 15 to provide the requested information, after which the commission will decide on next steps, which could include fines.
The EU has previously opened non-compliance proceedings under the DSA against other Big Tech companies, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, AliExpress, and TikTok.
In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said, “This morning, we received a request for information from the European Commission, which we will now review. We will cooperate with the Commission throughout the RFI process”.
The EU’s move is part of its efforts to ensure that online platforms are held accountable for their role in shaping public discourse and protecting users from harm.
As the commission continues to scrutinize these platforms, it remains to be seen how they would respond to the requests and what consequences may follow.
Boluwatife Enome
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