European lawmakers urge EU probe into social media role in protests

More than 30 members of the European Parliament have called for an urgent investigation into the role social media platforms played in recent violent protests across France, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. In a letter addressed to European Commission digital chief Henna Virkkunen, lawmakers from across the political spectrum requested data regarding the spread of illegal content and the influence of algorithms in amplifying riots and looting.

The MEPs suggested that the European Union should be prepared to activate crisis mechanisms under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which could include the suspension of certain services as a last resort. They also emphasized the need for better protection of minors, who are considered highly susceptible to the contagion of such content.

While the European Commission confirmed receipt of the request, spokesperson Thomas Regnier noted that national authorities hold the primary power to seek information from platforms under the DSA. However, the Commission stated it is ready to intervene if the issues are found to have a systemic dimension. Some officials, including Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, have characterized the unrest as a form of “hybrid warfare” potentially fueled by foreign actors to destabilize European nations ahead of upcoming elections.