The European Commission has reported violations of the Digital Services Act by Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram. They restrict access to data and hinder users from reporting illegal content, according to Brussels, DW writes.
The European Commission has established that social networks Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram are violating transparency obligations under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). According to the regulator's preliminary assessment, the platforms hinder researchers' access to their data and do not provide effective mechanisms for user complaints and notifications. The European Commission announced this on Friday, October 24.
According to the EC, all three platforms create barriers that often lead to "incomplete or unreliable data collections" and hinder scientific research, including studies on whether minors are exposed to illegal or harmful content. The Commission emphasized that open access to platform data is a key element of transparency under the DSA, as it allows for a better understanding of the societal impacts of large online platforms' activities.
Complicated Procedures for User Complaints
Among other things, Meta is accused of lacking user-friendly mechanisms for reporting illegal materials on its platforms Facebook and Instagram, such as content featuring sexualized violence against children or promoting terrorism.
The complaint procedures, according to the Commission, are excessively complicated and contain "manipulative design elements" that may deter users from submitting notifications. Under the DSA, platforms are required to promptly review and remove illegal content upon receiving a complaint.
The European Commission also notes deficiencies in the appeal mechanisms for content moderation decisions on Facebook and Instagram. EU users whose posts have been removed and whose accounts have been blocked cannot effectively appeal these decisions. Existing systems do not allow for the submission of explanations or evidence, which limits the transparency and fairness of the procedures.
Possible Sanctions
Meta and Tiktok have been given the opportunity to review the Commission's preliminary findings and submit written responses. If violations are confirmed, the companies could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. The European Commission added that, if necessary, coercive fines may also be imposed to ensure compliance with the rules.
The DSA requires online platforms to take measures to protect users from illegal content, goods, and services. Particularly strict requirements apply to the largest platforms with more than 45 million users in the EU, such as Facebook, Amazon, or Google. These companies are directly supervised by the European Commission, and several other investigations are already underway against them.
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