European Union: European Commission issued request for information to Snapchat concerning compliance with Digital Service Act requirement for transparency of recommender systems

On 2 October 2024, the European Commission issued a request for information to Snapchat concerning compliance with the Digital Services Act's (DSA) obligations regarding recommender systems. Snapchat is required to provide detailed information on the parameters their algorithm uses 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 platform 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. The platform is 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.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.