EU questions Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over AI-backed content recommendation risks
The European Union (EU) has issued a request for information (RFI) to social media giants Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The request seeks further details about their AI-based content recommendation algorithms, and the risks posed by them. This action is part of the EU's online governance regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The three platforms have until November 15 to provide the requested data.
DSA seeks to mitigate systemic risks
The DSA includes stringent penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 6% of a company's global annual revenue. The Act imposes additional systemic risk mitigation rules on very large online platforms (VLOPs) like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. These platforms are required to identify and address potential risks associated with their use of AI for content recommendation.
EU requests detailed information on AI-based algorithms
The EU has asked Snapchat and YouTube for "detailed information" on the AI-based algorithmic parameters used to recommend content. The Commission is also interested in how these algorithms may contribute to "amplifying certain systemic risks." These risks include those related to elections, civic discourse, users' mental health (such as addictive behavior), and child protection.
EU's concerns extend to illegal content and hate speech
The EU's inquiries also pertain to the platforms' strategies for reducing the potential impact of their recommender systems on spreading illegal content, like promoting illicit drugs and hate speech. For TikTok, the Commission wants more information on measures taken to prevent manipulation by malicious actors aiming to disseminate harmful content.
TikTok under formal DSA investigation
TikTok is currently the only platform among the three under a formal DSA investigation. The EU launched this probe in February over concerns about minor protection, and risk management of addictive design and harmful content on TikTok. In response to the latest RFI, a TikTok spokesperson stated, "We received a request for information from the European Commission, which we will now review."
