EU Commission Requests Information from YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok on Algorithm Transparency and Risk Mitigation
The European Commission on Wednesday requested detailed information from YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok regarding the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content and their potential role in amplifying systemic risks, including those linked to elections, mental health, and the protection of minors.
These requests, made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), also focus on the platforms’ efforts to mitigate the spread of illegal content through their recommender systems, such as promoting illegal drugs or hate speech, the Commission said in a statement.
Additionally, the Commission has sought further details from TikTok about the measures it has implemented to prevent bad actors from manipulating the platform and to minimize risks related to elections and public discourse.
The tech companies are required to provide the requested information by November 15, after which the EU will decide on potential next steps, including possible fines.
The EU has previously initiated non-compliance proceedings under the DSA against Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, AliExpress, and TikTok, which mandates Big Tech companies to address illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
Source: Reuters
