Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission sends requests for information to YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok on recommender systems.
The EU Commission has sent a request for information to YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), requesting the platforms to deliver more information on the structure and functioning of their recommender systems.
Under the Digital Services Act, platforms have to evaluate and adequately mitigate threats stemming from their recommender systems, including threats to the mental health of users and the dissemination of dangerous content arising from the engagement-based design of these algorithms.
What information is the EU seeking from social media?
YouTube and Snapchat are asked to provide detailed details on the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content to users, as well as their function in amplifying certain systemic risks, including those connected to the electoral process and civic discourse, users’ cognitive well-being (e.g. addictive behaviour and content ‘rabbit holes’), and the safety of minors. The queries also concern the platforms’ efforts to mitigate the potential influence of their recommender systems on the spread of illicit content, such as advertising illegal drugs and hate speech.
TikTok has been asked to provide more information on the steps it adopted to avoid the manipulation of the service by hostile actors and to mitigate risks associated with elections, pluralism of media, and civic discourse, which may be strengthened by certain recommender systems.
What could happen if platforms fail to comply?
As reported by the EU Commission, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok must deliver the requested information by 15 November. Based on the review of the replies, the Commission will assess the next stages.
This could entail the formal opening of proceedings under Article 66 of the DSA. Under Article 74 (2) of the DSA, the Commission can set fines for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in reply to RFIs. In case of failure to respond, the Commission may issue a formal request by finding. In this case, failure to reply by the deadline could lead to the imposition of periodic fine payments.
