In the News: GFM Youth Thoughts on Europe’s Digital Services Act

September 12, 2023

Recently, Europe’s Digital Services Act prompted platform changes. Here’s what our GoodforMEdia leaders have to say.

What you need to know

• People in the European Union will soon have more control and options over what shows up in their feeds on some of the biggest social media platforms (prompted by Digital Services Act).

• “It’ll be easier to report fake or harmful content, to know why a post is removed, to turn off algorithmically-driven recommendations and to see fewer ads.”

Out gut reactions:

• Instagram has a lot of ads, and some feel like scams that target youth. Feels unfair to take advantage of young people’s interests. A less algorithmic-centered experience would help decrease this.

• This is an example of how policy can shift and push product changes.

• The choice between algorithmic and curated platform is nice - similar to TikTok Following vs. For You page.

We think it’s headed in the…

• Right direction

• Wrong direction

• Too soon to tell

What to look out for:

• Would people use or be interested in a chronological feed over an algorithmic one?

References:

AP News: Europe is cracking down on Big Tech. This is what will change when you sign on