The European Commission sent requests to TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat on recommender algorithms

The European Commission sent requests to YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok on October 2, 2024, as part of its Digital Services Act (DSA) compliance, asking the platforms to provide more information on the structure and operation of their recommendation systems.

The focus is on examining their recommendation systems and impact on users, including potential mental health risks, the spread of malicious content, and the amplification of systemic risks such as political influence and protection of minors.

YouTube and Snapchat should provide information on the parameters used by their algorithms and explain their role in amplifying risks related to elections and public discourse.

TikTok must provide data on measures aimed at preventing manipulation by unscrupulous users and impact on political processes and media content diversity.

Platforms are obliged to respond by November 15, 2024. In case of incomplete or misleading responses, the commission may impose fines and initiate formal proceedings under Article 66 of the DSA.

Meanwhile, similar issues in relation to Meta are already being considered in formal proceedings initiated by the European Commission in April 2024.