The EU Sends RFIs to Snapchat, TikTok & YouTube Seeking Information About Their Content Recommendation Algorithm

• The EU has requested information from Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube about how its algorithm works.
• The purpose of this RFI is to mitigate the risks of using AI in content recommendation.
• The companies have until November 15 to respond with the required data and depending on their response, the next course of action will be decided.

In a press release, the European Union revealed that it has sent a Request For Information (RFI) to Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube for more information on how their algorithm works in terms of content recommendations for users.

The companies have until November 15 to respond with the necessary information.

• All three platforms have been asked to share parameters based on which they recommend content.
• They have also been asked to share what steps they take to address systematic risks related to mental health, elections, and civic disclosure.
• In addition to this, TikTok has also been asked about the steps it takes to prevent algorithm manipulation i.e. users understanding how its algorithm works so they can manipulate it in their favor.

Depending on the response, the EU will decide whether any further steps are required or not.

These activities come under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and if any of the three companies are found to be violating the rules under DSA, it can be subjected to a fine of up to 6% of global annual turnover.

Snapchat and YouTube are yet to comment on it but TikTok spokesperson Paolo Ganino made a statement confirming that they have received the notice. It is currently under review but they will cooperate with the EU commission throughout this process.

Managing the Risk of Using AI In Content Recommendation

The DSA has been around for quite some time now and all three companies have been operating in the EU for years. So why is the EU suddenly requesting information on their algorithm? It's because of AI.

Under the DSA, these three companies have been categorized as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). VLOPs are platforms that get at least 45 million users a month from the EU and they are subjected to tougher rules.

Since AI is now in content recommendation, these companies are responsible for investigating and mitigating the negative impacts it might have on mental health and civic discourse.

There have been enough complaints and concerns about social media platforms being too addictive. In fact, a New Yorker teen's family had recently sued Instagram for being too addictive.

Algorithms that constantly recommend related posts are adding to the issue. Hence, the EU wants to analyze the effect of AI on content recommendations to curb addiction.

In addition to that, it also wants to ensure that the AI-powered algorithms are not encouraging the spread of harmful content.

The questions 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

Not the First Time

This isn't the first time that the EU has asked for such information from the trio. All three of them (and many other VLOPs) have previously received RFIs from the EU after the implementation of the DSA.

Some VLOPs also received information requests about what steps they are taking to protect children on their platform.

Out of these three, TikTok has had the most interaction with the EU. It is also the only one among the three to be under a formal DSA probe about TikT9k Lite's addictive rewards program.

There are also multiple issues under discussion including child safety and the company's anti-addiction practices.

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