European Commission Archives - Politics Today https://politicstoday.org/tag/european-commission/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:55:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.8 The Social Dilemma: Change in Social Media Regulation on the Horizon? https://politicstoday.org/the-social-dilemma-social-media-regulation/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:55:45 +0000 https://politicstoday.org/the-social-dilemma-social-media-regulation/

The addictive nature of social media, explored in the documentary The Social Dilemma, echoes concerns now being raised in several countries.

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n today’s age of ubiquitous social media influence, The Social Dilemma remains a chilling reminder of the strong impact of big social media companies on society. It paints a simultaneous picture of dystopia and utopia. The documentary adeptly highlights the addictive nature of social media and the profit-driven motives of giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, even at the expense of promoting questionable content. This raises significant ethical concerns, especially for vulnerable young users.

Through interviews with tech industry insiders, engineers, ethicists, and psychologists, the documentary exposes the algorithms and design choices responsible for turning social media into an addictive and polarizing force. These insiders provide firsthand accounts of how tech giants prioritize engagement and profit over user well-being and societal harmony.

The Social Dilemma raises vital ethical questions about tech companies’ power and responsibility. It underscores how the race for user attention and ad revenue has fueled the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and divisive content on these platforms. Now, the burden falls on individuals, companies, and governments to chart a path forward.

Read: What Has Social Media Done to Us? The Human Craving for Appreciation Gone Awry

Greatest Risk of Social Media: Imperceptible Change

There is an ironic transition from the information age to the disinformation age, even though we have greater access now to information than ever before, we still find it difficult to reach the truth. “Imperceptible change” is planted within us, obstructing our intellectual defense as to whether an information that we get is true or not.

In The Social Dilemma, “imperceptible change” refers to the gradual and often subtle ways in which social media platforms and their algorithms manipulate and influence user behavior without the users themselves being fully aware of it. This concept highlights how these platforms are designed to keep users engaged and addicted by making subtle, unnoticeable adjustments to what content is shown and when it’s shown to maximize user interaction and time spent on the platform.

For example, the algorithms might show you certain posts or ads at specific times when they predict you are most likely to engage with them, or they might prioritize content that aligns with your existing beliefs and interests. Over time, these imperceptible changes can have a significant impact on how users perceive the world, reinforcing their existing beliefs and preferences and keeping them hooked on the platform.

The documentary introduces the concept of “imperceptible change,” illustrating how social media subtly manipulates user behavior through algorithmic adjustments. These alterations, like showing content at specific times or prioritizing like-minded content, shape users’ perceptions over time. It serves as a warning about these platforms’ power and the need for users to be more aware of their online experiences.

Read: Who really wins elections? Politicians or data companies?

It serves as a warning about the power that these platforms wield and the need for users to be more aware of how their online experiences are being shaped. Yet, awareness also comes with its burdens; With doubts already systematically planted, there is an obstruction of the individual’s intellectual defense: some even distrust fact checkers.

It is no secret that social media platforms came under fire for their role in the transition to the age of disinformation, even facing legal hurdles, as the documentary touches upon. The Cambridge Analytica scandal is used as an example to illustrate the potential misuse of personal data by social media platforms and the profound consequences it can have on society.

User data from Facebook was harvested without consent and used for targeted political advertising during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. The documentary suggests that the algorithms and data collection practices of social media platforms, including Facebook, can be manipulated to influence public opinion and behavior.

While the documentary doesn’t provide an extensive examination of the scandal, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical and privacy concerns associated with the vast amount of personal data that social media platforms collect and the potential for this data to be exploited for political or commercial purposes, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry regarding how user data is handled and used.

The documentary’s dramatized scenarios, though occasionally heavy-handed effectively depict how algorithms create echo chambers, leading to procrastination, loneliness, depression, body image issues, and poor concentration, especially among young people. “Snapchat dysmorphia,” a trend related to body image and self-esteem issues that has emerged in the context of social media with constant exposure, is also highlighted. The consequences, as depicted, are chilling and thought-provoking, at times, the viewer experiences being robbed out of their agency.

Read: Can You Hear Me Now? We Might Be Living in Echo Chambers on Social Media

Social media companies will soon have to go further 

For a really long time, the users’ only real weapon against the detrimental effects of social media was their willpower and media literacy. Basically, they were on their own.

In 2018, when Mark Zuckerberg testified in the congress over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, he stated, “It’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy.” Has anything changed since then?

Succumbing to pressure, platforms are beginning to pay attention to their users’ experience. Instagram, YouTube and TikTok have introduced various tools that alert users of their extended usage and even put parental controls. YouTube and Instagram remind teens to take breaks since 2021. Meanwhile, TikTok announced a passcode entry regulation for minors after an hour on the app.

The documentary’s interviews with experts and industry insiders emphasize the urgent need for more substantial regulation and responsible use of technology. The exploration of the addictive pull of social media, akin to the stimulating effects of slot machines on our brains, mirrors the concerns that various countries are now addressing.

China’s has taken measures to limit screen time for children under eight and Utah’s imposition of a digital curfew for minors are just two examples of this growing trend. France’s requirement for manufacturers to install parental control systems also underscores the global recognition that action is needed. In June, France passed a law that prohibits the promotion of certain practices – such as cosmetic surgery and smoking. The penalties for non-compliance can go up to two years in prison and a fine of €300,000.

Read: Russia-Ukraine War Moves to Social Media

However, the most recent and thorough move yet comes from the European Union. The EU is leading the charge with its Digital Services Act —overseen by the European Commission. The EU’s Digital Services Act, which became effective on August 25, imposes new rules on platforms, including assessments of societal impact and measures to prevent addictive behavior and targeting of vulnerable groups. The Act aims to make platforms more responsible and protect minors.

The new EU rules will allow researchers to access data inside company servers. The platforms will undergo a yearly assessment of the impact of their design, algorithms, advertising and terms of services on a range of societal issues. Then, according to the findings of the assessment, propose and implement measures inspected by the European Commission, researchers and an audit company.

The EU is actively teaming up with tech firms, industry groups, and organizations focused on children to figure out how to create platforms that better protect minors. They’re working towards a set of guidelines by 2024 called the Code of Conduct on Age-Appropriate Design. This code would lay out a list of steps that the European Commission wants big social media companies to take in line with the new laws.

However, as The Social Dilemma suggests, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the complex problems posed by social media. A nuanced approach is crucial, focusing on specific people, platforms, and features that are most risky. Additionally, the call for more data and a precautionary principle when it comes to minors is both reasonable and responsible.

Only time will reveal the effectiveness of these measures and potential loopholes, but the Act open a chapter of thorough examination of social media companies’ practices.

Reviewed by Batuhan Aça, Şeymanur Melayim, Muhammet Ali Oruç, Shahd Qaid, and Ezgi Yaramanoğlu.

Written by Dilara Özer

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]]> A Franco-German Compromise: The Appointment of Top Management in the EU https://politicstoday.org/a-franco-german-compromise-the-appointment-of-top-management-in-the-eu/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:32:42 +0000 https://politicstoday.org/a-franco-german-compromise-the-appointment-of-top-management-in-the-eu/

Europe is experiencing a huge crisis of confidence towards Brussels technocracy thus the Franco-German axis may be perceived as a symbol of a certain hegemony that has reduced the Union to the rule of the strongest states.

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After days of negotiations, an agreement was finally reached on the appointment of the top management within the major European institutions. The main positions to be renewed are five: the President of the Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency of the Parliament and the Central Bank. Actually, the European Council plays an important role in certain appointment procedures for high-profile positions at EU level. Specifically, it is competent to elect the president of the European Council; to propose the president of the European Commission; to appoint the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of EU; to officially appoint the entire college of commissioners; to appoint the executive committee of the European Central Bank (ECB), including its President. Upon a majority vote elections, the new appointments will have the responsibility to carry the next five years legislature. The main groups running are Popular, Socialist, Liberal and Green groups. Indeed, the main issue was not just to put all four different political family together, but also the respect of geographical criteria – aiming to not upset any of the most important countries and the block of countries that move in a coordinated manner – and the criteria of gender.

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In this frame, the President of European Council is elected on qualified majority and remains in office for a period of 2.5 years, renewable for one more. For the new legislature, the Council will be led by Charles Michel who has been the prime minister of Belgium since 2014. He recently resigned because of a government crisis that began with the Global compact on migrants as on December 2018 the coalition party ministers resigned opposing the government’s decision to approve the law. As stated in the article 17 of the Treaty of European Union, taking into account the European Parliament elections, the European Council must propose a candidate for the office of President of the European Commission. The European Parliament must approve the proposed candidate by a majority of its members (a minimum of 376 deputies).
The new institutional design in the EU is the result of a Franco-German compromise.
If the candidate of the European Council does not obtain the majority approval in Parliament’s vote, the European Council must propose a new candidate within one month of that vote. The European Parliament then uses the same procedure – majority vote of all Members – to approve the proposed new candidate. This time, after two electoral rounds, David Sassoli was elected as president of the European parliament. Mr. Sassoli belongs to the Italian Democrat Party (PD) and to the Socialists & Democrats group embodying the old interpretation of Europe, nowadays contested by the far right groups.  The competitors of Sassoli were on the left the Green Ska Keller and the Czech Jan Zahradil as exponent of the right wing Conservatives and reformists group.
 
The European Council is responsible to appoint the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: the decision on the proposed candidate requires a qualified majority. Josep Borrell, who has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Spanish Cooperation, under Sanchez government, will now cover the position. He is a man of Europe, since 2002 he had participated in the European Convention on the future of Europe and he also drafted a Treaty setting out the European Constitution, that  was not approved by some Member States. In 2004-2007 he was president of the European Parliament as well.
 
To some extents, the whole governance of the EU depends on the European Council as it officially appoints the entire European Commission. Since the Parliament votes on the college of commissioners, with its approval the European Council appoints the European Commission on a qualified majority. The new President of the Commission is the German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen of the CDU while the socialist Frans Timmermans and the liberal Margrethe Vestager will instead be the vice-presidents. Von der Leyen is considered as loyal to the chancellor Merkel, therefore her appointment represents a success for Merkel, who had been put in the minority in recent days by the other heads of state and government of the European parliament when she had carried out the candidacy of the socialist Timmermans for the leadership of the Commission. Another woman will be leading the political and economic game of Europe: Christine Lagarde is the new president of the European Central Bank, replacing Mario Draghi, who has resumed this post since 2011. Lagarde is a lawyer, specialized also in economics and finance. In 1999, she was appointed as president of the board of administration of the law firm Baker & McKenzie and she was the first woman to access this office. In 2005 she was appointed as French foreign trade minister and in 2007 she was the first female minister of the economy not only in France, but among all G8 countries.
France and Germany’s traditional interpretation of Europe stood firmly the confrontation on the new European leaders.
In other words, two women with a clear vision symbolize Europe. Despite the ‘Europe of common sense’ program proposed by the center-right group, the new pivots are now Germany and France who share special responsibilities in managing the European Union over the next five years. Briefly, the new institutional design is the result of a Franco-German compromise. Actually, there was a first compromise, which foresaw the candidacy of the Dutch socialist Frans Timmermans at the head of the European Commission, but it was rejected. The final choice came after a though three-day negotiation due to  fragmentation of the European Parliament and beacuse the 28 state members wanted to guarantee an appropriate political and gender balance. At the end, France and Germany are the real winner: their traditional interpretation of Europe stood firmly the confrontation on the new European leaders while their positions at the top of Europe may empower the two countries, hopefully by facilitating further compromises for implementing the strategic agenda of the coming years.
 
Heading to the last European Elections, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League -Matteo Salvini- had announced an earthquake within EU institutions; however, the result has proved the contrary so far. Indeed, his ‘common sense revolution’ has been contradicted by the appointments package which has excluded members sponsored by the League. Nevertheless, the long-standing issues as Brexit, Economic crises, growth of populism are still on the table. Obviously, Europe is experiencing a huge crisis of confidence towards Brussels technocracy thus the Franco-German axis may be perceived as a symbol of a certain hegemony that has reduced the Union to the rule of the strongest states. Moreover, it reflects some sensibility for the austerity measures that in recent years failed to address people needs. 
 
There is a feeling that the main criteria in assessing the appointment has been related to the political-market logic and to the strength of the State, with the Greatest one who always win. Although it is a realist principle of politics, it neglects the mistakes made in the past, which are difficult to remove from the people memory. To a careful observation, the method used by reinforcing the European Council and governments is certainly not very transparent and it represents a step backwards. This game is certainly the victory of the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who are sending a clear message to all those who worked against their leadership. And again, instead of a united Union the risk it to polarize the dynamics and fail to bridge the gap between the different speeds and needs of European countries.

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