Brussels demands information from Meta and Snapchat about their actions to protect the mental health of minors

The question was asked via a request for information sent to both companies by the Community Manager, based on the provisions of the European Union (EU) Digital Services Act, which came into force this summer. forces tech companies to remove illegal content from the internet and strengthens the protection of children and young people.

The European Commission said in a statement that it had asked Meta and Snap to explain how they plan to “fulfill their obligations regarding the protection of minors” imposed by the Digital Services Act.

Brussels asks them how they carry out risk assessments and what palliative measures they plan to protect minors in the digital space.e refers to risks sanity and physical health.

The Community Manager is giving them until December 1st to submit their responses, and after evaluating the responses, they will work on their next steps and direct Meta and Snap to ask someone else if their response is unconvincing. Open an adaptation procedure for them.

In addition, Brussels pointed out in its statement that if both companies provide incomplete, false or misleading information, they will face the same problem. possible financial penalties.

This is the second time in less than a month that the European Commission has asked Meta for clarification; After last October 19, he sent another request for information to the company led by Mark Zuckerberg, in this case regarding the spread of terrorist and violent content. As well as claims of disinformation within the framework of the war between Israel and Hamas.

With the entry into force of the Digital Services Act, the European Commission included Meta in the group of 19 major platforms or search engines, which also includes Google, TikTok or X (formerly Twitter), which must limit their activities in the EU. according to the provisions of this new community legislation.