EU Commission Investigates Algorithmic Risks of YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok

The EU Commission asked YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok on Wednesday to submit the parameters related to the algorithms that have been used to recommend content to their users. It includes the platform’s role in amplifying risks like mental health, protection of minors, safety issues and the electoral process. This investigation is conducted under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and aims to understand the role of these algorithms causing such risks.

The commission seeks information on how these platforms’ algorithms may contribute to the spread of illegal content such as promoting illegal drugs and hate speech. Additionally, TikTok is under extra scrutiny with the EU requesting details on measures taken to prevent manipulation by bad actors and reduce risks related to elections and civic discourse. These tech firms must provide the requested information by November 15 and the EU Commission will decide on further action potentially including fines and other restrictions.

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This is said to be an investigation which is part of the EU’s broader efforts to regulate Big Tech and ensure compliance with the DSA which requires companies to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content on their platforms. Previously, the EU opened non-compliance proceedings under the DSA against Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, AliExpress, and TikTok regarding their recommendation systems.

Also, earlier this week, a lawsuit filed by New Mexico’s attorney general has shed light on disturbing facts about Snapchat’s handling of sextortion and safety concerns. According to the lawsuit, Snapchat employees were aware of around 10,000 monthly user reports of sextortion by  November 2022 which they believed was only a fraction of the actual abuse and safety issues. Snapchat allegedly failed to take adequate action including leaving an account with 75 reports related to nudes, minors, and extortion despite knowing about incidents involving minors.

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