YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat must answer to Europe about their algorithms

The European Union has asked Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok to provide more information about their content recommendation algorithms. Content recommendation algorithms fall under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) and are required to comply with its standards.

According to a statement posted on the EU website on Wednesday, the EU Commission has formally requested the three platforms to provide more information about their algorithms. These platforms have until November 15 to respond to this request. According to the EU, after receiving the response, a decision will be made regarding the next steps, and an official investigation may be one of these steps.

Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok must provide details of their algorithms to the EU

According to some provisions of the EU Digital Services Act, major platforms must identify and mitigate risks that may arise from the use of artificial intelligence as a content recommendation tool. Also, this law specifies that the use of such tools should not have a negative effect on things such as the mental health of users or civil discourse.

The EU has also warned that algorithms designed to increase engagement could lead to the spread of harmful content. It seems that this is exactly the reason why the European Commission has asked Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok to explain their artificial intelligence algorithms.

According to the European Commission, this body has asked Snapchat and YouTube to provide detailed information about the parameters of the artificial intelligence algorithms used to recommend content to users. These platforms must also explain how their algorithms can lead to the escalation of certain risks.

The TikTok platform must also explain to the EU about its actions to prevent users from publishing harmful content. The platform should also provide the body with information on how to mitigate risks related to elections, media pluralism and civil discourse. According to the EU, content recommendation algorithms may exacerbate these risks.