EU asks tech giants for data on AI's risks to elections

The European Union has sent requests to eight major technology platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Google, demanding information on measures to mitigate the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence during the upcoming EU elections.

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This is one of the first major steps under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), which comes into force in 2023. The European Commission is looking into threats such as the spread of deepfakes and AI "hallucinations" where it generates false data.

-"DSA now running at full speed. Enforcement teams (are) fully mobilized" said Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Digital Affairs.

Brussels has also launched a formal investigation into Chinese shopping platform AliExpress over suspected DSA violations, including the sale of banned goods. The investigation will allow the European Commission to examine the company's internal documents.

In addition, EU authorities have sent an enquiry to LinkedIn about how users' personal data is used for targeted advertising.

EU officials said the focus on generative AI was prompted by fears of its use to interfere in the European Parliament elections in June.

Source: TechXplore