European Union regulators have intensified their examination of major tech companies, including Google, Facebook, and TikTok, regarding the risks associated with generative artificial intelligence, such as the proliferation of deepfakes. The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, has issued inquiries to eight platforms and search engines, including Microsoft's Bing, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), to understand how they are addressing the challenges posed by generative AI.
The 27-nation bloc is leveraging its enhanced regulatory authority under the Digital Services Act, a comprehensive set of regulations implemented last year to enhance oversight of large online platforms and ensure user safety, backed by substantial fines for non-compliance. While awaiting the enforcement of the groundbreaking AI Act, the EU is utilizing existing regulations to govern AI practices until the new rulebook for the technology comes into effect next year.
Among the AI-related concerns highlighted by the commission are the dissemination of false information, automated manipulation of services to deceive voters, and the emergence of deepfakes. The commission is particularly interested in understanding how companies are managing the creation and dissemination of generative AI content, especially in critical areas such as electoral processes, combatting illegal content, addressing gender-based violence, and safeguarding minors.
With EU-wide elections scheduled for early June, European authorities are closely monitoring tech platforms' preparedness to combat AI-driven misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the need for swift responses to potential high-impact deepfake incidents. Companies have been requested to provide details on their election protection measures by April 5 and on other relevant topics by April 26, with the possibility of further investigations by the commission.
Additionally, Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress is under DSA scrutiny for allegedly failing to protect consumers by allowing the sale of risky products, including fake medicine and inappropriate content. The commission is also examining the platform's measures to prevent influencers from promoting illegal or harmful products.
In response, AliExpress has affirmed its commitment to complying with all applicable regulations and standards, pledging to collaborate with authorities to ensure adherence to the DSA requirements. Separately, LinkedIn has been asked to provide information on its compliance with the DSA's prohibition on targeting ads based on sensitive personal data categories like sexual orientation, race, and political opinions.
