1. Risk of addictive behavior, illegal content or manipulation
2. Recommendation systems in the EU’s sights
Video platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat always have the next clip ready for users, which is suggested to watch within the app. As part of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU Commission now wants to know more precisely how these recommendation systems actually work. For this reason, the committee asked the platforms to provide information about the design of the corresponding algorithms.
“Under the DSA, platforms must assess and appropriately mitigate the risks posed by their recommendation systems,” explains the Commission to their demand. “These include risks to users’ mental health and the spread of harmful content resulting from the engagement-based design of these algorithms.”
Risk of addictive behavior, illegal content or manipulation
In addition to information about their content recommendations, YouTube and Snapchat must explain their role “in amplifying certain systemic risks,” it says. This applies, for example, to content related to the electoral process and civil discourse. But the psychological well-being of users – in particular addictive behavior and “rabbit holes” for content as well as the protection of minors – should also be taken into account. It is also asked to what extent the algorithms influence the spread of illegal content – such as advertising for illegal drugs or hate speech.
Infringement proceedings against TikTok have been ongoing since the beginning of the year. Now the Commission also wants to find out more precisely to what extent the platform prevents manipulation by malicious actors. The main aim is to reduce risks that are associated with elections, media pluralism and civil society discourses and that can be increased by certain recommendation systems.
Recommendation systems in the EU’s sights
TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat now have until November 15th to provide the relevant information. The EU Commission then wants to examine further steps, for example whether it should open appropriate procedures. If the platforms provide the information incorrectly, incompletely, misleadingly or not at all, fines may also be imposed.
The EU Commission has had its sights set on the recommendation algorithms of the major platforms for some time. For example, in the middle of this year, information about corresponding recommendations was requested from Amazon. Further proceedings have already been initiated against AliExpress, Facebook and Instagram.
