European Parliament scrutiny of digital platforms

European Parliament members have initiated multiple inquiries into the responsibilities of major digital platforms regarding public safety and consumer protection.

In mid-October, 56 MEPs submitted a formal inquiry to the European Commission concerning insufficient controls against online financial fraud on platforms including Meta, Google, X, and TikTok. The group warned that large-scale economic scams, potentially exacerbated by artificial intelligence, are causing significant daily losses for European consumers.

More than 30 MEPs have also called for an urgent investigation into the role of social media algorithms in facilitating violence, looting, and unrest across member states such as France, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. In a letter to European Commission digital chief Henna Virkkunen, lawmakers requested data on the spread of illegal content and suggested the EU prepare to activate crisis mechanisms under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which could include the suspension of certain services as a last resort. Lawmakers also emphasized the need for better protection of minors against such content.

While the European Commission noted that national authorities hold primary power to seek information from platforms, it stated it is ready to intervene if issues possess a systemic dimension. Additionally, 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.