EU requests info from YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok on content algorithms


FILE PHOTO: YouTube and TikTok apps are seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - The EU Commission requested information on Wednesday from YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok on the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content to users and their role in amplifying some systemic risks, including those related to the electoral process, mental health and protection of minors.

The requests, made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), "also concern the platforms' measures to mitigate the potential influence of their recommender systems on the spread of illegal content, such as promoting illegal drugs and hate speech," the EU Commission said in a statement.

The commission said it had requested additional information from TikTok about measures the firm had adopted to keep bad actors from manipulating the application and to reduce risks related to elections and civic discourse.

The tech firms must provide the requested information by November 15, the EU said, after which the commission will decide on next steps, which could include fines.

The EU has previously opened non-compliance proceedings under the DSA, which requires Big Tech companies to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content on their platforms, related to the recommendations offered by Meta's Facebook and Instagram, AliExpress and TikTok.

(Reporting by Makini Brice and Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Alexandra Hudson)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Tech News

Apple is trying to sell loyal iPhone users on AI tools. Here's what Apple Intelligence can do
Looking for new activities? Google wants you to turn to its navigation app
Will LinkedIn's AI HR assistant select the right candidates?
Staring at gadgets while in bed? You may get cross-eyed, warn experts
Voting rights groups worry AI models are generating inaccurate and misleading responses in Spanish
Nvidia to take Intel's spot on Dow Jones Industrial Average
U.S. regulators raise questions about siting data centers at power plants
Exclusive-Walt Disney forms business unit to coordinate use of AI, augmented reality
Crypto ETFs see big inflows ahead of U.S. election, traders brace for volatility
Apple to invest up to $1.5 billion in Globalstar for satellite coverage expansion

Others Also Read