The European Union is starting to enforce the laws introduced in its territory. Large social media platforms need to explain how their algorithms work.
Recently European Commission has targeted popular social media platforms such as YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok as part of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) regulation. The Commission demands details information on the functioning of recommendation algorithmswhich play a key role in shaping the content displayed to users. The introduction of DSA in 2023 has brought significant changes to the way digital platforms are required to monitor their services, and the EU is now stepping up its efforts to better understand content recommendation systems.
The European Union is calling out large social media platforms
Recommendation algorithms are mechanisms responsible for suggesting content to users based on their previous interactions. While these algorithms increase engagement, the European Commission is concerned that they may lead to serious risks, both at individual and societal levels. In particular, they concern the impact on electoral processes, users’ mental health and the protection of minors.
The Commission wants to understand how these systems influence public discourse, make users addicted to viewing content and whether they lead to the so-called “rabbit holes” – endless strings of recommended materials. The platform is also important prevent the spread of illegal contentsuch as hate speech or drug promotion.
Additional questions were directed to TikTok, which – in addition to general issues around mental health and election protection – must explain what measures it has taken to preventing information manipulation. This platform is particularly monitored for its impact on media pluralism and civil discourse, especially in the context of the risks posed by algorithms during election periods.
All three platforms have time until November 15to provide the European Commission with detailed answers to the questions raised. The Commission, based on Article 74(2) of the DSA, has the power to impose financial penalties if the information provided is incomplete, incorrect or misleading. The maximum penalty is as much as 6% of global annual revenues, which is a significant amount considering the size of companies such as YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.
Graphics: depositphotos
Source: antyweb.pl
