European Union: Issued European Commission request for information to YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok on compliance with DSA obligations regarding recommender systems

On 2 October 2024, the European Commission issued a request for information to YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok regarding compliance with the Digital Services Act's (DSA) obligations regarding recommender systems. YouTube and Snapchat are required to provide detailed information on the parameters their algorithms use to recommend content to users and how these systems contribute to amplifying certain systemic risks. These risks include those related to the electoral process and civic discourse, and users' mental well-being, such as addictive behaviours and content rabbit holes. Additionally, the platforms must explain how they protect minors and what measures they have in place to mitigate the influence of their recommender systems in spreading illegal content, such as promoting illegal drugs and hate speech. TikTok was asked to provide more information on the measures it has implemented to prevent manipulation of its platform by malicious actors and to mitigate risks related to elections, media pluralism, and civic discourse, which can be amplified by certain recommender systems. The platforms are required to respond by 5 November 2024, and the Commission will assess the responses to determine the next course of action, which may include the initiation of formal proceedings.