The European Commission (EC) has one open Examination of 17 major online platforms to examine the extent to which they allow external researchers to review their content moderation policies.
Specifically, Brussels has sent its formal request to AliExpress, Amazon Store, AppStore, Bing, Booking.com, Facebook, Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Shopping, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Zalando. “These VLOPs and VLOSEs are asked to provide further information on the measures they have taken to comply with the obligation to provide authorized researchers with prompt access to publicly available data in their online interface.”“said the community board in a statement.
It is in this spirit that Brussels looks at it Researchers’ access to data is key to ensuring accountability and public scrutiny of the platforms’ policies, particularly in light of events such as the upcoming European elections in June and other national election events planned in Europe this year.
Deadline is February 9th
The above platforms have by next February 9th to provide the information Based on the evaluation of the responses, the commission will determine the next steps.
The Digital Services Act forces major platforms to be transparent about how the algorithms that determine what users see online work, and in this sense requires that authorities and external researchers have access to the data that supports their privacy policies . Content moderation.
Once classified as very large online platforms or search engines, the 17 VLOPs and VLOSEs must comply with all provisions of the Digital Services Act, including the data access provision.
On December 18, 2023, the EC has initiated formal infringement proceedings against the social network for a variety of reasons, including alleged breaches of obligations regarding access to researchers’ data.