“In general, the EU has expressed concern about recommendation algorithms and the far-reaching influence these systems can have on various aspects of society, from individual mental health to broader democratic processes.
The Commission is particularly interested in understanding how the algorithms recommend content to users. It seeks to explore their role in amplifying systemic risks and the measures taken by platforms to mitigate the spread of illegal content, such as hate speech and the promotion of illegal drugs.
For YouTube and Snapchat, the inquiry focuses on how their algorithms might affect electoral processes, civic discourse, users’ mental well-being – including addictive behavior – and the protection of minors.
This request is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to regulate big tech companies and ensure user safety online, with the Commission having previously launched similar inquiries into other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Since the DSA’s establishment, the EU has been aggressively enforcing it, as seen by these recent requests and the tight timelines the companies were given to respond.
According to euronews, one senior EU official said the inquiry should act as a “wake-up call” for platforms to change their behavior, such as by letting users hide certain types of video.
The platforms must respond by November 15, 2024. Failure to comply or to provide correct information could result in fines or formal proceedings under the DSA.”
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Asking these companies to show their content algorithms is tantamount to asking Coke to reveal their recipe, drug companies to give up their patents, etc.
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“In general, the EU has expressed concern about recommendation algorithms and the far-reaching influence these systems can have on various aspects of society, from individual mental health to broader democratic processes.
The Commission is particularly interested in understanding how the algorithms recommend content to users. It seeks to explore their role in amplifying systemic risks and the measures taken by platforms to mitigate the spread of illegal content, such as hate speech and the promotion of illegal drugs.
For YouTube and Snapchat, the inquiry focuses on how their algorithms might affect electoral processes, civic discourse, users’ mental well-being – including addictive behavior – and the protection of minors.
This request is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to regulate big tech companies and ensure user safety online, with the Commission having previously launched similar inquiries into other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Since the DSA’s establishment, the EU has been aggressively enforcing it, as seen by these recent requests and the tight timelines the companies were given to respond.
According to euronews, one senior EU official said the inquiry should act as a “wake-up call” for platforms to change their behavior, such as by letting users hide certain types of video.
The platforms must respond by November 15, 2024. Failure to comply or to provide correct information could result in fines or formal proceedings under the DSA.”
Asking these companies to show their content algorithms is tantamount to asking Coke to reveal their recipe, drug companies to give up their patents, etc.