European Commission scrutinises social media algorithms under new digital regulations

The European Commission has taken significant steps in examining how major social media platforms operate their content recommendation systems, specifically eyeing YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. This heightened scrutiny was announced on Wednesday, with the Commission formally requesting detailed algorithms and operational data from these tech giants. These moves are part of the broader enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a legislative framework that aims to address and mitigate the systemic risks posed by large digital platforms.

The request focuses on understanding how recommendation algorithms might inadvertently promote harmful content, potentially influencing mental health, civic discourse, and the electoral process. The Commission seeks to scrutinise whether these platforms’ use of artificial intelligence in recommending content could lead to the amplification of illegal activities, such as the promotion of illicit drugs or dissemination of hate speech. With an emphasis on the protection of minors and electoral integrity, these questions could steer future regulatory approaches the EU might adopt against the platforms in question.

As set out in the DSA, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat now have until 15 November to comply, providing data and insights into their algorithmic practices. The EU’s inquiries are not without precedent; previous rounds of questions have also addressed child safety and election risks, particularly in the lead-up to the EU elections earlier this year. However, TikTok, owned by ByteDance, is currently the only platform among the three under formal investigation regarding DSA compliance.

For TikTok, the Commission’s questions delve deeper into the platform’s measures to prevent manipulation by malicious actors, particularly how they might exploit the platform for spreading misinformation or disrupting civic processes. This follows ongoing concerns that TikTok’s design might not adequately prevent such vulnerabilities. ByteDance’s platform has been under a probe since February, with concerns extending to the platform’s risk management, including protection for minors and the addictive nature of its services.

The growing attention comes amid a push by the European Commission to enforce compliance among “very large online platforms” (VLOPs) under the DSA’s stringent risk mitigation measures. These measures compel companies to prevent negative societal impacts, spanning mental health concerns and the potential spread of hazardous narratives.

The Commission’s current investigations, part of its broader digital governance framework, continue undeterred. Notably, no conclusions have been reached regarding ongoing probes. However, the Commission has shared preliminary findings in related matters, such as potential breaches of standards by X (formerly known as Twitter), focusing on design transparency and data accessibility issues.

The increased vigilance by the EU marks a significant chapter in global tech regulation, as digital platforms grapple with balancing user engagement against societal risk reduction. With the clock ticking towards the November deadline for these tech giants to furnish the required information, industry observers and stakeholders alike await the Commission’s next moves, contingent on the disclosures from the platforms.

Source: Noah Wire Services