Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
463. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he intends to insist on restricted use of recommender systems by social media companies, especially their products being used by children; his approach in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3341/26]
View answerThe EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is an EU regulation that introduces new obligations on providers of online intermediary services, including online social media platforms, to protect users and consumers of online services. The DSA is designed to provide better protection of fundamental rights; more control and choice over online experiences; stronger protection of children online; and expedited removal of illegal content. The regulation has applied in full since 17 February 2024.
The Digital Services Act 2024 designated Coimisiún na Meán as its Digital Services Coordinator for the DSA. Coimisiún na Meán is independent in the performance of its functions.
The DSA contains provisions that specifically address recommender systems. Platforms must explain in their terms and conditions, in plain and understandable language, the main parameters their systems use to suggest content. They must also provide options for users to change or influence these parameters. Additionally, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that use recommender systems must allow users, including minors, the option to use recommender systems that do not rely on profiling.
Providers of online platforms accessible to minors are obliged to put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of minors, on their service. This also includes a ban on adverts based on profiling when the user is a minor.
The DSA introduces additional rules specifically for VLOPs and VLOSE, reaching more than 10% of the 450 million consumers in Europe, in view of the elevated risks they pose for the dissemination of illegal and harmful content. The European Commission has responsibility for supervising and enforcing the obligations that apply to VLOPs and VLOSEs.
In addition, the DSA requires all VLOPs/VLOSEs to conduct a yearly assessment to identify potential systemic risks associated with the design of their recommender systems and any other relevant algorithmic system. This includes risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content, infringements on fundamental rights, negative effects on public discourse and electoral processes, gender-based violence, public health, and the protection of minors. They must then put in place effective mitigation measures to address these systemic risks.
To assist with enforcement of these obligations, the European Commission established the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT). The Centre provides technical expertise, scientific research, and foresight on emerging risks to support the Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on VLOPs/VLOSEs. This collaboration aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of algorithmic systems, thereby contributing to a safer and more trustworthy online environment for all users.
