EU asks TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat for more algorithm info
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The news: The European Commission has formally requested YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok for more details on how their algorithms work to recommend content, and specifically regarding their handling of potential threats to electoral processes, mental health and child safety.
The context: The EU regulator invoked the Digital Services Act, enacted in 2022, to request the information, threatening with fines and potential formal proceedings if the companies failed to comply.
YouTube and Snapchat were asked to disclose the parameters used by their algorithms, particularly how they may amplify systemic risks, including impacts on elections, civic discourse, mental health (such as addictive behaviour and content rabbit holes) and child protection.
They are also asked about measures to mitigate the spread of illegal content, including hate speech and drug promotion.
TikTok, in addition, was requested to provide details on how it prevents manipulation by malicious actors, particularly around elections.
The numbers: The platforms have until 15 November to respond, with the EU able to impose fines for failure to reply by the deadline or if the information is incorrect, incomplete or misleading, it said.
The Commission has been monitoring compliance with recommender system regulations since the DSA’s implementation and has ongoing proceedings against TikTok, AliExpress, Facebook and Instagram related to similar issues.
The source: European Commission statement
