EU Probes TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat Over Algorithm Concerns
The European Commission has launched an investigation into TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, questioning how their video recommendation algorithms operate, the EU executive announced on Wednesday (October 2). This inquiry, part of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) enforcement, aims to understand why vulnerable users are being exposed to harmful content, including fake news tied to elections and videos promoting eating disorders, depression, and drug abuse.
The Commission is particularly interested in the effects of features like autoplay and infinite scrolling, as well as the measures these platforms have in place to prevent the spread of such dangerous content. These concerns align with the broader goals of the DSA, which requires the largest online platforms, with over 45 million monthly users, to meet stringent transparency standards.
A senior EU official noted that the investigation should serve as a “wake-up call” for these platforms to adopt better practices, such as allowing users to hide certain types of videos. Platforms that fail to provide the requested documents by November 15 or submit false information may face significant fines under EU law.
While the current investigation focuses on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, it represents just an initial step. After analyzing the platforms’ responses, the Commission will decide whether to proceed with formal legal action.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is not included in this specific investigation, but the Commission initiated a separate probe into those platforms in May. That investigation examines whether Meta’s interfaces are designed to exploit children’s inexperience and promote addictive behavior.
This new probe comes amid a series of ongoing investigations into other major platforms. The EU is already investigating TikTok, the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and Chinese-owned retailer AliExpress for alleged non-compliance with DSA regulations. A top Commission official hinted last month that additional investigations into suspected violations of the DSA would be launched soon, signaling the EU’s intent to enforce strict standards on digital platforms.
The EU’s DSA is seen as a landmark regulation aimed at holding tech giants accountable for harmful content and improving transparency, especially when it comes to algorithms that drive user engagement. The results of these investigations could lead to significant changes in how social media platforms operate in Europe.
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