The digital universe is an infinite database that houses extensive, varied information that continues to be fed with new information every day. The devices we use every day are useful in many ways; people have gradually become dependent on them because they make many aspects of our daily lives easier. illegal content on social networks
There have been some studies about how using the internet and feeding algorithms our information can create real-world problems. The documentary The Social Dilemais an example of this.
The device recommendation system is one of the concerns that some institutions have regarding the use of unregulated algorithms on social networks. For this reason, the European Commission requested information from YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok about the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content to users. The reason? Here we tell you!
The EU concerned about the spread of inappropriate content
According to the news portal Reutersthis Wednesday, October 2, The European Commission requested information from the directors of YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok about the parameters used by their algorithms to recommend content to those who use their applications and create their content. In addition to requesting a report on its role in amplifying some systemic risks, including those related to the electoral process, mental health and the protection of minors.
All this within the framework of the implementation of The Digital Services Lawwhose purpose is to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of these services are protected as well as establishing a level playing field to promote innovation, growth and competitiveness, both in the European single market and on a global scale.
In its statement, the EU emphasized that these requests…
“they also refer to the platforms’ measures to mitigate the possible influence of their recommendation systems on the dissemination of illegal content, such as the promotion of illegal drugs and hate speech”
EU statement
Additionally, additional information was also requested from TikTok about the measures the company has taken to prevent malicious actors from manipulating the app and to reduce risks related to elections and civic discourse.
These measures have been gradually applied since August 2023, when the main online platforms (Amazon, Booking), social networks and search engines (Google, Bing) were required to fully comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Obliged to regulate the digital space and that includes measures related to transparency, content moderation and recommendation algorithms.
Tech companies must provide the requested information by Nov. 15, the EU said, after which the commission will decide next steps, which could include fines. According to CNNTikTok could face additional fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if features of TikTok Lite, the Commission is investigating, are found to constitute violations of the DSA.
The EU has already opened procedures for non-compliance under the DSA, requiring big tech companies to do more to combat illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
How does the recommendation algorithm work?
Recommendation algorithms emerged as a solution to the large amount of information that users of the Web and mobile applications experience. This system’s essential purpose is to reduce our search time and optimize the marketing system of the companies present on the networks. illegal content on social networks
The characteristics or descriptions of the items we like are taken into account and compared with the characteristics of the item or service we are looking for. These algorithms are known as content-based and with them it is not necessary to know the evaluations, ratings or behavior.
On the other hand, context-based algorithms take into account specific user situations to generate recommendations. Geographic location, gender, weather, record of likes, comments, applications used. Even the operating system you use at the time you receive the recommendation can be the difference in whether the recommendation is successful or not.
This way in which platforms are managed and generate an impact on people’s perception, opinion and consumption decisions is extremely significant. And since they are not regulated, they can constitute a violation of fundamental online security rights. illegal content on social networks
A necessary regulation illegal content on social networks
Although algorithms are developed with the intention of being objective, there is a possibility, and there have been cases where a bias is generated that can lead to results that perpetuate some kind of discrimination, fake news or, in the worst case, create a sphere of interaction with hateful and ultra-extremist overtones. illegal content on social networks
The developers themselves can introduce biaseswhether consciously or unconsciously, through the decisions made during the creation of the algorithm. This occurs in the choice of variables, the definition of success metrics or the way in which the models are structured. For example, if a recruiting algorithm prioritizes experience at certain universities, it may favor candidates from more privileged socioeconomic backgrounds.
The good news is that bias in machine learning can be detected and decreased quite easily. The bad news is that it can be difficult to get to the bottom of how algorithms make decisions to solve problems, since most of the time algorithms operate within a “black box.”illegal content on social networks
However, the European Union adopted a modern legal framework that seeks to guarantee the safety of online users. Now we will have to wait for governance to be established in regulations with the protection of fundamental rights while maintaining a fair and open online platform environment.
