EC to Investigate YouTube, TikTok, and Snap Algorithms

The European Commission ordered YouTube, TikTok, and Snap to provide details of the design of their recommendation algorithms and their roles in amplifying systemic risks. The EC warned that failures to appropriately address the request could lead to formal proceedings under the Digital Services Act.

The EC explained that part of the DSA framework is to ensure social platforms assess and adequately mitigate risks stemming from their recommender systems, pointing to the distribution of harmful content and the mental health of users as examples of these risks. YouTube and Snap have been asked to provide details on the parameters used by their algorithms and the way they heighten the risks associated with political elections, civic discourse, protection of minors, and social media addiction.

Meanwhile, TikTok will have to inform EC of the measures it took to avoid manipulation of the app from malicious actors and to mitigate the same systemic risks, which the regulator argued may be amplified by certain recommender systems. The platforms have until 15 November to respond to the request or face penalty for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information. EC can launch a formal request if the apps fail to respond.