European Commissioner Thierry Breton has recently raised concerns about YouTube’s obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act in a letter sent to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. The letter focuses on the spread of illegal content and disinformation related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas on the platform.
Breton specifically highlights the need for YouTube to protect children and teenagers from violent content. He urges the platform to act promptly in response to notices from the EU, emphasizing that effective measures must be put in place to tackle the risks associated with disinformation.
In response to these concerns, YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi has stated that the platform has already taken action by removing harmful videos and terminating channels that violate its policies. However, Breton insists that more needs to be done, particularly in relation to upcoming elections and the issue of deepfakes.
Breton requests that YouTube proactively reports relevant information to the EU and ensures compliance with the Digital Services Act. He also asks for details of the measures taken by the platform to address the problem of deepfakes, which are increasingly being used to spread disinformation.
As the EU continues to address the challenges posed by digital platforms, it is becoming increasingly important for companies like YouTube to take responsibility for their content. The spread of illegal and harmful material, especially during times of conflict, can have serious consequences. The EU is calling on YouTube to take swift and effective action in order to protect its users and prevent the further dissemination of disinformation.
It remains to be seen how YouTube will respond to these requests from the European Commission, but with the Digital Services Act in place, the platform will be expected to comply with its obligations and work towards ensuring a safer digital environment for all.
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