A top European Union (EU) official has issued a cautionary statement to Google parent Alphabet regarding potential concerns of "illegal content and disinformation" circulating on its popular video-sharing platform, YouTube.
According to AFP, in a recent communication addressed to Alphabet's CEO, Sundar Pichai, EU's digital Commissioner, Thierry Breton, emphasized the critical importance of YouTube adhering to the stipulations set forth in the EU's newly established Digital Services Act (DSA).
He pointed out a noticeable surge in the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation within the EU, notably in the context of the Hamas-Israel war.
This picture taken in Moscow on March 19, 2022 shows logos of Youtube social media on a smartphone screen. - Russia's regulator on Friday accused the US giant Google and its video service YouTube of "terrorist" activities, the first step towards a possible blocking of the site as Twitter, Instagram and several media outlets have been in recent weeks.
EU Official Warns YouTube
Breton underscored YouTube's status as a platform extensively utilized by minors and adolescents. He stressed that Google, as the parent company, bears a special responsibility to safeguard users from misleading information, propaganda, and disturbing imagery.
In addition to this cautionary message, Breton indicated his team's intention to launch specific inquiries to ascertain YouTube's compliance with the DSA.
He urged Google to proactively and transparently report on the concerns outlined in his letter. Breton also made it clear that penalties may be levied in cases of non-compliance, emphasizing the gravity of the matter.
EU Opens Probe Against X
In a related development, the EU has launched an investigation against X over the alleged spread of illegal content and disinformation on the platform, which includes terrorist and violent content and hate speech, following Hamas' attack on Israel.
This inquiry represents a significant milestone, marking the first investigation initiated under the EU's DSA. According to the DSA, X, a "very large online platform," is required to mitigate the risks associated with disinformation and should promptly respond to reports of unlawful content.
The EU's Commission services had sent a formal request for information to X, formerly known as Twitter, under the provisions of the DSA. The request focuses on the alleged propagation of illegal content and disinformation, specifically content linked to terrorism, violence, and hate speech.
Additionally, the request encompasses an assessment of X's adherence to other stipulations outlined in the DSA. The Commission has the authority to request more information from X to validate the proper application of the law.
X is required to furnish the requested information to the Commission services by October 18 concerning the activation and operation of X's crisis response protocol and by October 31 for all other aspects.
Based on the evaluation of X's responses, the Commission will determine the subsequent course of action, which may involve a formal initiation of proceedings. Failure to respond by the stipulated deadline could lead to the imposition of penalties.
This development highlights the EU's commitment to ensuring the responsible use of online platforms and safeguarding users from potential harm. It also underscores the evolving landscape of digital regulation and the EU's stance in addressing emerging challenges related to online content and user safety.
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