This inquiry follows similar actions taken against Amazon and Chinese e-commerce platforms regarding their recommendation algorithms.

On October 2, 2023, the European Union announced its intention to examine the recommendation systems of YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok as part of its efforts to combat online hate and misinformation.

The EU Commission has requested detailed information from these platforms regarding their algorithms for recommending content to users.

Concerns include algorithmically driven addictive behaviors, the protection of minors, and the dissemination of illegal content.

The DSA rules for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) have been in effect since last summer, but the EU has not yet concluded any of its investigations into these platforms.

The platforms must respond by November 15, 2023, with explanations of their algorithm design and functionality, after which the Commission will evaluate their answers.

The inquiry focuses on how these platforms’ algorithms may amplify systemic risks related to the electoral process, mental health, and protection of minors.

The Commission previously sought information from these platforms on issues such as election risks and child safeguarding.

The EU Commission has warned that failure to provide accurate information could lead to fines or other legal actions under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This inquiry falls under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to regulate online platform activities and mitigate the influence of recommender systems on the spread of illegal content.

The Commission is particularly interested in how Snapchat and YouTube mitigate risks related to illegal content, electoral processes, and the mental well-being of users.

The EU has previously initiated non-compliance proceedings under the DSA against other major tech firms like Meta's Facebook and Instagram, AliExpress, and TikTok for similar issues.